Beverly Blad v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2020)

Beverly Blad alleged that the influenza vaccine she received on November 11, 2016, caused her to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). She filed her petition on March 14, 2018.

The Special Master previously established the onset of various symptoms, including arm and injection site pain immediately after vaccination, arm weakness beginning November 19, 2016, fatigue on November 24, 2016, and leg weakness on February 1, 2017. Based on these findings, the Special Master determined that Ms.

Blad had not established the onset of GBS symptoms within the appropriate timeframe for an on-Table claim. Furthermore, Ms.

Blad presented no expert testimony or other evidence to establish a medical theory connecting the flu vaccine to her GBS, nor did she address a logical sequence of cause and effect or a proximate temporal relationship outside of her on-Table claim. Consequently, Ms.

Blad moved for a dismissal of her petition. The Special Master granted the motion, dismissing the case with prejudice for insufficient proof.