Shannon Finch v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (“CIDP”) (2018)

Shannon Finch received an influenza vaccine on September 23, 2015. She filed a petition alleging that the vaccine caused Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

The medical records indicated that her GBS onset, if present, was five months after vaccination, which does not meet the Table requirement of 3-42 days. Furthermore, the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for GBS preclude a Table injury if the patient has CIDP or does not recover.

The court also noted that onset more than two months after vaccination is generally not considered compensable. The decision also questioned whether Ms.

Finch even had GBS or CIDP, citing neurological symptoms that predated the vaccination. As Ms.

Finch was unable to prove causation in fact and did not provide supporting medical expert opinions, she filed a motion to dismiss her own petition. The Special Master granted the motion, dismissing the case.