Ignacio Vazquez v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2025)

Ignacio Vazquez filed a petition for compensation alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on December 6, 2014, caused him to suffer from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The primary issue in this ruling was whether Mr.

Vazquez had provided sufficient proof of vaccination. The respondent argued that the documentation was insufficient and inconsistent, pointing to conflicting records and the lack of contemporaneous proof.

Mr. Vazquez submitted his own affidavit, vaccination charts from his physician Dr.

Lima, and insurance billing records. While Dr.

Lima's initial office record noted the flu vaccine was given 'elsewhere...at work,' subsequent vaccination charts from Dr. Lima's office listed an influenza vaccine with lot number, manufacturer, and expiration date for December 6, 2014.

Additionally, Mr. Vazquez's medical records from subsequent visits with other physicians referenced his report of receiving a flu vaccine around the time of his symptoms' onset.

Despite inconsistencies and the respondent's arguments, the Special Master found that the evidence, particularly the vaccination chart with specific vaccine details and Mr. Vazquez's affidavit, established by a preponderance of the evidence that he received a flu vaccination on December 6, 2014.

Therefore, Mr. Vazquez satisfied the threshold requirement for a Table injury claim.

The case will proceed to discuss damages.