Amanda Holder v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2018)

Amanda Holder filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on June 27, 2017, alleging that she suffered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on November 6, 2014. She asserted that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that she experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement for her condition.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu immunization caused petitioner’s GBS or any other injury. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on June 26, 2017, agreeing to an award of compensation.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. The award included a lump sum of $58,768.06 payable to petitioner and Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center, $4,390.00 payable to petitioner and Tanner Medical Center, $5,563.75 payable to petitioner and Paragon Recovery Group, and a final lump sum of $125,000.00 payable to Amanda Holder.

These amounts were intended to compensate for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. The total award amounted to $193,726.06.