Deadline: June 8, 2026
Last updated: March 31, 2026
GSK Big Bad Cough BOOSTRIX Settlement 2026 -- File a Claim by June 8
GSK dressed wolves in grandma's clothing to sell a whooping cough vaccine. A NY court says the pitch was misleading -- claim $10–$50 by June 8, 2026.
Deadline: June 8, 2026
File Your Claim →
Applies to
New York
Main deadline
June 8, 2026
Benefit
Cash payment of $10 or $50 depending on whether you can provide proof of vaccination.
Official site
https://www.bigbadcoughsettlement.com
What happened
Class period: May 20, 2016 through May 20, 2020
- Plaintiff Lori DeCostanzo sued GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York over a multimedia advertising campaign known as the "Big Bad Cough" campaign, which ran from 2015 to 2020 and featured anthropomorphic wolves
- The lawsuit alleged that the ads misled viewers into believing that getting the BOOSTRIX Tdap vaccine would prevent them from spreading pertussis (whooping cough) to others -- not just protect themselves
- BOOSTRIX is GSK's FDA-approved Tdap vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; the plaintiff did not allege the vaccine was unsafe or ineffective for protecting the person vaccinated
- GSK denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation
- The settlement affects adults in New York who viewed the ads and received the BOOSTRIX vaccine during the class period to protect someone else
What you can get
Cash payment
$50
With qualifying proof of BOOSTRIX vaccination during the class period Cash payment
Key dates
| Action | Date | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Claim deadline | June 8, 2026 | Last day to file a claim |
| Opt out | May 11, 2026 | Keep your right to sue separately |
| Object | May 11, 2026 | Tell the court you disagree |
| Final hearing | July 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT -- Courtroom 1040, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, 100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, NY 11722. Check https://www.bigbadcoughsettlement.com for any changes to the date or time. | Judge decides whether to approve |
Who may qualify
- You are an adult You viewed the GSK "Big Bad Cough" advertising campaign (ran 2015-2020, featured wolves)
- You either lived in New York at the time you viewed the ads, or you were vaccinated with BOOSTRIX in the state of New York
- You received the BOOSTRIX vaccine between May 20, 2016 and May 20, 2020
- You were vaccinated to protect one or more other individuals from pertussis -- not solely for your own protection
Check your eligibility
How to file
- Go to https://www.bigbadcoughsettlement.com/submit-claim
- If you received a personalized notice with a Notice ID and Confirmation Code, enter those to submit your claim online
- If you did not receive a personalized notice, click "Click Here" on the Submit Claim page to complete a general Claim Form
- To file by mail: download or request a paper Claim Form, complete it, and mail it postmarked no later than June 8, 2026 to: Big Bad Cough Settlement, Attn: Claim Forms, 1650 Arch St., Ste. 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Proof required
- Qualifying Proof of Vaccination (such as a vaccination record) to receive the $50 payment
- No documentation required if filing with an Attestation of Vaccination (a signed, sworn statement about your vaccination) -- this qualifies you for the $10 payment
Payment timing
Payments will be distributed after the Final Approval Hearing on July 2, 2026 and resolution of any appeals. Processing time depends on the number of claims filed. Payment method not specified -- check https://www.bigbadcoughsettlement.com or call 833-978-4147 for updates.
Important links
Contact
Phone: 833-978-4147
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Big Bad Cough Settlement, c/o Settlement Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Extra details
- Women who were vaccinated with BOOSTRIX while pregnant are excluded from the settlement class
- The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing; BOOSTRIX remains FDA-approved and safe for its intended uses
- Spanish-language resources are available on the official site, including a Spanish notice (Aviso en Español) and a Spanish claim form (Formulario de Reclamación en Español)
- Do not contact the Court or the Clerk of the Court for information -- use the settlement website or administrator contact info above
FAQ
Who is eligible for this settlement?
Adults who viewed GSK's "Big Bad Cough" advertising campaign (the wolf ads, 2015-2020) AND either lived in New York at the time or received the BOOSTRIX vaccine in New York, AND were vaccinated with BOOSTRIX between May 20, 2016 and May 20, 2020 to protect one or more other people from pertussis.
How much money will I receive?
$50 if you provide qualifying proof of your BOOSTRIX vaccination, or $10 if you submit a Claim Form with an attestation -- a signed statement confirming your vaccination -- but no documentation. No doctor's note required for the smaller amount.
Do I have to have proof of vaccination to file?
No. You can self-certify your vaccination with an Attestation of Vaccination and receive $10. If you can produce an actual vaccination record, you may receive $50. Turns out "I got the shot, I swear" is worth exactly ten dollars in federal court.
Is this settlement open to people outside of New York?
No. You must have either lived in New York at the time you viewed the ads or received your BOOSTRIX vaccination in the state of New York.
What is BOOSTRIX?
BOOSTRIX is a Tdap vaccine -- covering tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) -- developed and manufactured by GSK. It is FDA-approved and remains on the market. The lawsuit does not challenge the vaccine's safety or its ability to protect the person who receives it. The wolves just oversold it.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
June 8, 2026. Online claims must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM Pacific Time. Paper claim forms must be postmarked by June 8, 2026.
What are the deadlines to opt out or object?
Both the opt-out and objection deadlines are May 11, 2026.
When will I get paid?
After the Final Approval Hearing on July 2, 2026 and any appeals are resolved. Timing will also depend on the number of claims submitted. Contact the administrator at 833-978-4147 or [email protected] for updates.
Use the official website
Always confirm details on the official site. If something feels off, stop and verify before sharing personal info.
Info only. Verify details on the official site. Not legal, financial, or tax advice. Legal
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