Avia McDaniel v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2026)

Avia McDaniel filed a petition alleging that the influenza vaccine she received on September 23, 2020, caused her to suffer from transverse myelitis (TM) and its sequelae. The primary issue in this ruling was to determine the exact date of vaccination, as records showed conflicting information: a CVS fill date of September 23, 2020, and an administration date of September 24, 2020.

Petitioner's medical records indicated she experienced symptoms of numbness and tingling starting around September 23, 2020, which worsened over the following days, leading to ED visits and hospitalization. Doctors suspected conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, TM, or multiple sclerosis.

Despite some conflicting evidence and Respondent's contention that the vaccination date remained unclear, the Special Master found preponderant evidence that Petitioner received the flu vaccine on September 23, 2020. The ruling noted that Petitioner's symptoms were worsening but did not prevent her from receiving the vaccine that afternoon, and the following morning she contacted her neurologist about the symptoms.

The case is proceeding, and the petitioner has 14 days to indicate how she wishes to move forward.