Elijah Thomas v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2018)

Elijah Thomas filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on July 19, 2017, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) caused by his influenza vaccination on October 7, 2015. He claimed to have experienced residual effects of the condition for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the influenza immunization caused petitioner's GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on July 19, 2017, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Pursuant to the stipulation, Elijah Thomas was awarded a lump sum of $225,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The decision directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.