A.F. v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain Barre Syndrome (2019)

A.F. filed a petition for vaccine compensation alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on October 7, 2016. The flu vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.

A.F. alleged that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that his GBS persisted for more than six months, and that he had not filed a prior action or received compensation for his injury. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused A.F.'s alleged GBS or any other injury, and denied that his current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.

Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing 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.

Pursuant to the stipulation, A.F. was awarded a lump sum of $396,480.14, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.