Katherine L. Alberino v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) with residual effects that persisted for more than six months (2020)

Katherine L. Alberino filed a petition for compensation on May 2, 2018, alleging that she developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with residual effects that persisted for more than six months after receiving a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine on August 22, 2017.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the Tdap immunization caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's alleged GBS or any other injury or condition. Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties reached a stipulation for settlement.

On February 27, 2020, Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation, which awarded Katherine L.

Alberino a lump sum of $155,000.00 for all damages. The decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical course, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses.

Petitioner was represented by William E. Cochran Jr. of Black McLaren, et al., PC, and respondent was represented by Camille C.

Collett of the United States Department of Justice.