Thelma Andras v. HHS - Tdap, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2021)

Thelma Andras filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Program on August 18, 2020. Petitioner received a Tdap vaccine on August 10, 2017, and alleges that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a stipulation for award on October 5, 2021. While the respondent denied that a flu vaccine caused the petitioner's alleged injuries, the parties agreed to settle the case while maintaining their respective positions.

The stipulation provided for a total award of $57,500.00. This amount included a lump sum of $47,500.00 payable to Thelma Andras and a lump sum of $10,000.00 to reimburse a Medicaid lien for services rendered to her by the State of Louisiana.

The $10,000.00 payment was to be made by check payable jointly to petitioner and the Louisiana Department of Health, mailed to the Louisiana Department of Health. Petitioner agreed to endorse this check to the Louisiana Department of Health.

These amounts were stipulated to represent compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen adopted the stipulation and ordered judgment to be entered accordingly. The decision was issued on October 26, 2021.

Petitioner's counsel was John Robert Howie, Jr. of Howie Law, PC. Respondent's counsel was Alexa Roggenkamp of the U.S.

Department of Justice.