Robert Juranek v. HHS - Influenza, significant aggravation of multiple sclerosis (2025)

Robert Juranek, a 62-year-old physician, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on October 7, 2016, significantly aggravated his pre-existing, but asymptomatic, multiple sclerosis (MS). He claimed the vaccine triggered a relapse or significant worsening of his condition.

Mr. Juranek had a history of MS, with an initial presentation in his 30s that resolved, and he reported no symptoms prior to the vaccination.

He alleged that approximately three to four weeks after the vaccination, he began experiencing subtle numbness and tingling in his feet, which gradually worsened and ascended his legs, accompanied by fatigue and cognitive issues. He sought medical attention eight months after the vaccination.

Petitioner presented expert testimony from Dr. Lawrence Steinman, who opined that the flu vaccine aggravated Mr.

Juranek's MS through molecular mimicry, suggesting a homology between a flu vaccine component and a protein called gliomedin. Respondent presented expert testimony from Dr.

Robert Fujinami and Dr. Amanda Piquet.

Dr. Fujinami disputed the molecular mimicry theory, arguing that gliomedin is not present in the central nervous system (CNS) and that the amount of viral protein in the vaccine was insufficient to trigger an autoimmune response.

Dr. Piquet opined that Mr.

Juranek's symptoms were more likely a natural progression of his long-standing MS, not a significant aggravation caused by the vaccine, noting the slow onset of symptoms and the absence of active inflammatory lesions on MRI at the time of his initial workup. The Special Master found that Petitioner failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the flu vaccine significantly aggravated his MS.

The court found that the proposed mechanism of molecular mimicry was not supported by sufficient evidence, particularly regarding the presence and role of gliomedin in the CNS. Furthermore, the court determined that Mr.

Juranek's clinical course, with subtle symptoms developing over months and a delayed presentation for medical care, was not consistent with a significant aggravation or acute relapse caused by the vaccine, but rather a progression of his underlying MS. Consequently, the petition was denied.