GSK BOOSTRIX False Advertising Class Action Settlement

Individuals who lived in New York and received a BOOSTRIX vaccine, or who eceived a BOOSTRIX vaccine in New York between May 20, 2016, and May 20, 2020, after seeing certain advertisements may qualify to submit a claim for up to $50 from a class action settlement. BOOSTRIX is a tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine, also known as Tdap, GSK manufactures.

GlaxoSmithKline plc, now known as GSK plc, and GlaxoSmithKline LLC agreed to settle a false advertising class action lawsuit claiming its “big bad cough” advertising campaign misled consumers about BOOSTRIX’s ability to prevent the spread of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, to others.

Who can file a claim for a BOOSTRIX payout?

Class members must meet the following criteria:

• They are an adult who viewed the “big bad cough” advertising campaign, which ran between 2015 and 2020 and featured humanized wolves.
• They received the BOOSTRIX vaccine at anytime between May 20, 2016, and May 20, 2020.
• They either lived in New York at the time of vaccination or received their BOOSTRIX vaccine in New York.
• They received the BOOSTRIX vaccine specifically to protect one or more other individuals from pertussis, i.e. not just for their own protection.

Individuals with questions about their status as a class members can check their eligibility online.

Who is excluded from the class?

Any woman who received the BOOSTRIX vaccine while pregnant does not qualify to participate in the settlement.

How much will the settlement payment be?

Class members have the following benefit options:

• Proof: Class members who provide qualifying proof of vaccination can submit a claim to receive a $50 cash payment.
• No proof: Class members who do not provide qualifying proof of vaccination can submit a claim to receive a $10 cash payment.

How to claim a class action rebate

To claim a settlement payment, class members can file a claim online or print the PDF claim form to complete and mail to the settlement administrator. The claim deadline is June 8, 2026.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Big Bad Cough Settlement, Attn: Claim Forms, 1650 Arch St., Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Required proof and claim information

All claimants must provide:

• Approximate date of BOOSTRIX vaccination
• Location where the vaccination took place
• Medical practice or pharmacy that administered the vaccination
• Names of the individuals the claimant sought to protect from pertussis

Claims with qualifying proof require one or more of the following:

• Records from the health care provider or pharmacy that administered the BOOSTRIX vaccine during the class period
• Records from the health care insurer showing the claimant received the BOOSTRIX vaccine during the class period.
• Other satisfactory medical documentation created before Feb. 10, 2025, by a third party, such as a hospital or primary care physician, that records the date and type of vaccination

Claim instructions

1. Go to the online claim form or download the PDF claim form.
2. Fill in name, address and contact details.
3. Check the boxes that apply to the vaccination experience (e.g., saw the ad, received BOOSTRIX in New York, etc.).
4. Provide the approximate date and location of vaccination, the provider or pharmacy name and the name(s) of the person(s) the claimant sought to protect.
5. Attach qualifying proof of vaccination if available.
6. Select payment method (Venmo, Zelle, virtual prepaid card or physical check).
7. Sign and date the form.
8. Submit the form online or mail it to the settlement administrator at the address above.

Payout options

• Venmo
• Zelle
• Virtual prepaid card
• Paper check mailed to the address provided

Settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund will include:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees and costs: Up to $1,950,000
• Service award to lead plaintiff: $7,000
• Payments to approved claimants: Total determined by number of valid claims filed

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: May 11, 2026
• Deadline to file a claim: June 8, 2026
• Final approval hearing: July 2, 2026

When is the BOOSTRIX settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to approved class members approximately 75 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged that GSK’s “big bad cough” advertising campaign misled consumers about BOOSTRIX’s ability to prevent recipients from spreading pertussis to others.

GSK denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and risk involved with continued litigation and a possible trial.

Sources

1. Settlement notice
2. Settlement website
3. Claim form