Sandra Meador v. HHS - Influenza, rheumatoid arthritis (2021)

Sandra Meador alleged that the influenza vaccine she received on October 11, 2016, caused her to develop rheumatoid arthritis. She filed a petition with the Court of Federal Claims on August 30, 2019.

After filing medical records, Ms. Meador was ordered to retain an expert to support her claim.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a report challenging causation. Ms.

Meador was unable to secure a supportive expert, noting that any expert opinion would likely need to advance a different theory than those previously rejected by the Special Master in a similar case. Consequently, Ms.

Meador moved for a decision dismissing her petition, understanding that this would result in a judgment against her. The court granted her motion, dismissing the case with prejudice for insufficient proof, as there was no medical expert or additional evidence supporting causation beyond her own claims.

The decision was issued on May 25, 2021.