Samantha Dotson v. HHS - Influenza, autoimmune hepatitis (2024)

Samantha Dotson filed a petition alleging that the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines she received on December 16, 2021, caused her to develop autoimmune hepatitis. She filed her petition with the Court of Federal Claims on February 15, 2023.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services contested entitlement, arguing that the influenza vaccine did not cause the autoimmune hepatitis. During the proceedings, Ms.

Dotson moved to dismiss her own petition, stating that it had become clear she was unlikely to prevail based on the developing science regarding the vaccines and autoimmune hepatitis. She understood that a dismissal would result in a judgment against her, preserving her option to file a civil action.

The Special Master granted the motion, construing it as a motion for involuntary dismissal, and dismissed the case with prejudice for insufficient proof. The decision was issued on February 1, 2024.