Heidemarie Johnston v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2025)

On August 3, 2022, Heidemarie Johnston filed a petition alleging Guillain-Barré syndrome after an influenza vaccination administered on September 22, 2019. Respondent conceded that the claim met the Table criteria for GBS, and Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran granted entitlement on April 25, 2023. The damages decision adopted a proffer with a life-care component.

The public proffer does not narrate Ms. Johnston’s full clinical course, but the award structure reflects ongoing care needs: future medical and related care items were set out in an appendix and funded partly by annuity.

On May 19, 2025, the Special Master awarded an immediate lump sum of $376,475.10, consisting of first-year life-care expenses of $102,451.28, $250,000.00 for pain and suffering, and $24,023.82 for past unreimbursable expenses. He also awarded the amount necessary to purchase an annuity contract for future compensation years, with annual life-care payments following the anniversary of judgment.