Mary Dowd v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (2024)

Mary Dowd filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccination she received on December 13, 2019. She claimed this was a Table injury and that she experienced residual effects for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Ms. Dowd sustained a GBS Table injury or that the flu vaccine caused her condition.

Despite these differing positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation to settle the case. The stipulation stated that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The Chief Special Master adopted the stipulation as the decision, awarding Ms. Dowd a lump sum of $80,000.00.

This amount represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The parties agreed that this stipulation expressed a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages, and Ms.

Dowd released the United States and the Secretary from further claims related to the vaccination. The decision was filed on May 8, 2024, with the petition having been filed on December 9, 2022.