Nikysha Cyrus v. HHS - Influenza, Transverse Myelitis (2017)

On February 15, 2017, Nikysha Cyrus, as the natural guardian and legal representative of her minor son, J.B., filed a petition seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The petition alleged that J.B. suffered from transverse myelitis following an influenza vaccination.

The parties, Petitioner and Respondent (Secretary of Health and Human Services), filed a stipulation agreeing to a settlement. Special Master George L.

Hastings reviewed the stipulation and concluded it was appropriate. The decision, entered by stipulation on February 15, 2017, awarded compensation to J.B.

The award consisted of two lump sum payments: $328.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, payable to Nikysha Cyrus, and $760.80 to reimburse a lien for services rendered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, payable jointly to Nikysha Cyrus and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The remaining damages available under the program were to be paid in the form of an annuity contract for J.B.'s benefit, to be purchased as soon as practicable after the entry of judgment.

The specific terms and conditions for the annuity contract, including criteria for the life insurance company, were detailed in the stipulation. The public decision does not describe the specific date of vaccination, the onset of symptoms, clinical details of the transverse myelitis, any specific medical tests performed, or treatments received.

It also does not name the petitioner's counsel or the respondent's counsel.