Deborah McNabb v. HHS - Influenza, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) (2025)

On August 13, 2019, Deborah McNabb filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 29, 2016 caused drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, commonly called DRESS. She was 56 years old at vaccination.

The record described symptom onset within about a week of vaccination and a later dispute over whether the flu vaccine could biologically trigger DRESS. Respondent denied causation in a May 2020 Rule 4(c) report.

Petitioner relied on immunology/allergy expert Dr. David Rosentreich, while respondent relied on dermatologist Dr.

Emanual Maverakis. Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen credited petitioner's causation showing and found entitlement on December 2, 2025. The public entitlement ruling did not yet award damages, so the case remained pending on compensation after entitlement.