Rebekah Schaffer v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2024)

Rebekah Schaffer filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccination on October 8, 2018. The petition was filed on August 19, 2021.

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

The respondent agreed that her condition met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table for a flu/GBS injury, that her condition persisted for at least six months, and that there was no alternative cause for her condition. Based on this concession and the evidence, a ruling on entitlement was issued on June 27, 2022, finding Ms.

Schaffer entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on January 11, 2024, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, agreeing to an award of $144,950.96.

This amount included $132,500.00 for pain and suffering, $3,509.47 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $8,941.49 for past lost wages. Ms.

Schaffer agreed with this proffered award. A decision awarding damages was issued on February 20, 2024, granting the lump sum payment of $144,950.96 to Rebekah Schaffer.