John R. Harnisch v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (2020)

John R. Harnisch filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that the influenza and/or pneumococcal conjugate vaccines he received on November 16, 2015, caused him to suffer from Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) with residual effects lasting more than six months.

The parties, John R. Harnisch and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a joint stipulation on August 26, 2020, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's GBS or any other injury, but the parties stipulated to the terms of the award. The court adopted the stipulation as its decision.

Petitioner was awarded a total of $406,704.48, which included compensation for first-year life care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses. An additional amount was allocated for an annuity contract.

The decision was entered on October 28, 2020, with judgment to be entered in accordance with the stipulation.