Barbara Bowie v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2021)

On September 27, 2018, Barbara Bowie filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on October 16, 2015. Ms.

Bowie stated that she received the vaccine in the United States, experienced residual effects for more than six months, and had no prior award or settlement for damages. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Ms.

Bowie sustained a GBS Table injury and denied that the influenza immunization caused her alleged GBS or any other injury or condition. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on February 17, 2021, agreeing to an award of compensation.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as his decision.

Pursuant to the stipulation, Ms. Bowie was awarded a lump sum of $100,000.00, payable by check to the Petitioner, as compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.

Petitioner's counsel was Jennifer Leigh Allen of Allen Law LLC, and respondent's counsel was Camille Michelle Collett of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The decision was issued on March 19, 2021.