Patricia A. Spayde v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2023)

Patricia A. Spayde received an influenza vaccine on November 13, 2013.

She subsequently developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a neurological disorder. The court found that the flu vaccine caused her GBS, determining that the case met the criteria for off-Table causation.

The initial ruling on entitlement was issued on January 27, 2021. After the parties were unable to resolve damages, a subsequent ruling on damages was issued on September 21, 2023, awarding $165,000 for pain and suffering.

A final decision awarding damages was issued on December 4, 2023, totaling $214,754.18. This amount includes $49,754.18 for first-year life care expenses and $165,000 for pain and suffering, with additional compensation for future life care expenses to be provided through an annuity.

The court determined that Spayde's GBS was a result of the flu vaccine, rejecting the respondent's arguments that an alternative viral illness was the cause or that the onset timing was too late.