Wanda Sovine v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2024)

On February 24, 2022, Teresa Vickers, as personal representative of the Estate of Wanda Sovine, filed a claim in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Petitioner alleged that an influenza vaccine received on September 22, 2020, caused Wanda Sovine to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and subsequently led to her death on October 22, 2020.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Ms. Sovine's GBS and death.

Despite maintaining their respective positions on causation, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case and award compensation. The stipulation provided for a lump sum payment of $215,000.00, payable to petitioner as personal representative on behalf of the Estate of Wanda Sovine, representing compensation for all damages.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded compensation accordingly, ordering judgment to be entered in accordance with the stipulation's terms.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation. Petitioner was represented by Leah V.

Durant and respondent was represented by Benjamin P. Warder.