Karen Hoisington v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2024)

Karen Hoisington filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination administered on October 25, 2017. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

Respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Hoisington is entitled to compensation.

Respondent concluded that Ms. Hoisington suffered GBS following a flu vaccine within the Table time period and that there was not a preponderance of medical evidence to suggest her GBS was due to an unrelated factor.

Respondent also agreed that the claim met the statutory severity requirements because Ms. Hoisington experienced sequelae of GBS for more than six months.

Based on Respondent's concession and the evidence of record, the Chief Special Master found that Ms. Hoisington is entitled to compensation.

The ruling was on entitlement only, with damages to be determined later. The later damages materials show that compensation was no longer pending.

In a decision filed August 22, 2024, the court awarded Ms. Hoisington a $322,911.27 lump sum and an annuity for remaining life-care items.