Z.H. v. HHS - Influenza, amplified pain syndrome (2017)

On January 27, 2016, Jeff and Christal Holmes, as parents and natural guardians for their minor child Z.H., filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Program. They alleged that Z.H. suffered from amplified pain syndrome (APS) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on February 1, 2013.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccination caused or aggravated Z.H.'s alleged injuries. On June 30, 2017, the parties filed a stipulation agreeing to an award of compensation.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court. The stipulation provided for a lump sum payment of $110,000.00, payable to Jeff and Christal Holmes as Guardians of the Estate of Z.H., to compensate for all damages.

Judgment was to be entered in accordance with the stipulation, unless a motion for review was filed. The decision was unpublished and intended for posting on the court's website, with provisions for parties to request redaction of sensitive information.

Clifford J. Shoemaker represented the petitioners, and Adriana Ruth Teitel represented the respondent.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.