Robert Meyers v. HHS - Influenza, anti-PL7 anti-synthetase syndrome (2025)

Robert Meyers, a 57-year-old adult, received an influenza vaccine on December 16, 2016. He subsequently developed symptoms that led to a diagnosis of anti-PL7 anti-synthetase syndrome, a form of dermatomyositis.

Mr. Meyers alleged that the flu vaccine caused his condition and filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

As dermatomyositis is not listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, the case proceeded as an off-Table claim, requiring Mr. Meyers to prove causation-in-fact.

He presented expert opinions from rheumatologist Dr. Samardeep Gupta and immunologist Dr.

M. Eric Gershwin, who argued that the vaccine could have triggered his autoimmune condition through molecular mimicry.

Respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, presented expert opinions from rheumatologist Dr. Christopher Mecoli and immunologist Dr.

Stephen M. Hedrick.

The respondent's experts argued that the evidence did not support a causal link between the flu vaccine and dermatomyositis, citing a lack of epidemiological evidence, insufficient scientific mechanisms, and the potential for alternative causes such as viral infections or underlying malignancy. The court found that Mr.

Meyers failed to establish a reputable medical theory demonstrating that the flu vaccine can cause dermatomyositis, which is a requirement under the first prong of the Althen test for causation-in-fact. The court noted that while molecular mimicry is a recognized scientific principle, the petitioner's experts did not provide sufficient evidence to apply it to this specific case, particularly in the absence of identified homology between the vaccine and the affected tissues, and given the limitations of the cited studies and case reports.

Consequently, the court denied Mr. Meyers' petition for compensation.