Ezra Zakoo v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2023)

Ezra Zakoo filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 28, 2019, and a Tdap vaccine on October 2, 2019. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, conceded entitlement to compensation, agreeing that Mr.

Zakoo's GBS qualified as a Table injury following the flu vaccine. The respondent also confirmed that the claim was timely filed, the vaccination occurred in the United States, the statutory severity requirement was met, and there was no evidence of an unrelated cause.

A ruling on entitlement was issued on October 18, 2022, finding Mr. Zakoo entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on June 29, 2023, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, which Mr. Zakoo accepted.

The court awarded Mr. Zakoo a total of $157,264.04, comprising $150,000.00 for pain and suffering and $7,264.04 for unreimbursable medical expenses, as a lump sum payment.