Shahid Mahroof v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) (2021)

Shahid Mahroof filed a petition on April 28, 2016, alleging that the Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine he received on July 4, 2014, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Mr.

Mahroof further alleged that he suffered residual effects from the GBS for more than six months. The Tdap vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused the petitioner's alleged injury or any other injury, and denied that Mr. Mahroof's current disabilities were the result of a vaccine-related injury.

Despite these denials, the parties reached a stipulation. Special Master Christian J.

Moran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court. The stipulation awarded Mr.

Mahroof compensation totaling $40,000. This amount included a lump sum payment of $7,825.89 for a Medicaid lien, payable jointly to Mr.

Mahroof and the New York State Department of Health. Mr.

Mahroof agreed to endorse this check to the New York State Department of Health. Additionally, a lump sum payment of $53.52 was awarded for a Medicaid lien, payable jointly to Mr.

Mahroof and Maricopa Health Plan, with Mr. Mahroof agreeing to endorse this check to Maricopa Health Plan.

The remaining compensation for all other damages was $32,120.59, payable directly to Mr. Mahroof.

The decision was filed on May 4, 2021. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details of the GBS, diagnostic tests performed, treatments received, or the specific mechanism by which the Tdap vaccine allegedly caused the GBS.

No expert witnesses were named in the public decision.