S.K. v. HHS - Influenza, vasovagal syncope with chin laceration and jaw fracture (2025)

On December 6, 2024, Peter and Tanya Kowalkowski filed a petition on behalf of their minor child, S.K., alleging that vaccinations administered on December 27, 2021 caused a vasovagal syncope episode with a chin laceration and jaw fracture. S.K. received influenza, meningococcal, and human papillomavirus vaccines at the same visit.

Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report, agreeing that S.K. suffered vasovagal syncope within one hour after seasonal influenza vaccination and that no apparent alternative cause explained the event. The public documents do not describe the full emergency treatment or dental/oral-surgery course for the laceration and jaw fracture.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on July 7, 2025.

On November 19, 2025, he adopted respondent's damages proffer and awarded $125,000.00 to purchase an annuity contract for S.K. The annuity provides $16,154.04 per year for ten years certain beginning November 15, 2027, when S.K. will be an adult.