Mary Katherine Shadix v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2017)

Mary Katherine Shadix filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a consequence of her November 3, 2013 influenza vaccination. She further alleged that she suffered residual effects of her injury for more than six months and that there had been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner’s alleged GBS or any other injury and further denied that her current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on March 10, 2017, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Mary Katherine Shadix was awarded a lump sum of $100,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.