Parris Hitchcock v. HHS - Influenza, polymyalgia rheumatica (2024)

Parris Hitchcock filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on November 18, 2021, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on November 18, 2020, caused him to develop polymyalgia rheumatica. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's polymyalgia rheumatica or any other injuries.

The parties, maintaining their respective positions, reached a stipulation to settle the case. The stipulation provided for a lump sum payment of $42,000, payable to the petitioner via check, as compensation for all damages.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation and awarded compensation accordingly.

The decision was issued on January 30, 2024. Petitioner's counsel was Elizabeth Abramson of Maglio Christopher & Toale, P.A., and respondent's counsel was Jamica Littles of the U.S.

Dept. of Justice. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, medical tests, treatments, or expert testimony.