Juli-Rae Reeves v. HHS - MMRV, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) (2024)

On December 5, 2024, Juli-Rae Reeves, as the parent and legal representative of her minor son N.J.R., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The petition alleged that N.J.R. developed idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) as a result of receiving the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP), inactivated polio (IPV), and/or measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccines on April 2, 2021.

It was further alleged that N.J.R. suffered residual effects from the condition for more than six months, and that no prior award or settlement had been made on his behalf. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on December 4, 2024, conceding that N.J.R. is entitled to compensation.

The respondent specifically stated that N.J.R. satisfied the criteria for ITP following the administration of vaccines containing measles, mumps, and rubella virus, including the MMRV vaccine, as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and its Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. The respondent also agreed that N.J.R. suffered residual effects for more than six months, meeting all legal prerequisites for compensation.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found that N.J.R. is entitled to compensation.

The specific amount of damages is to be determined at a later date. Petitioner was represented by Elizabeth Martin Muldowney of Sands Anderson PC, and respondent was represented by Emily Hanson of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.