Heidi Flanagan v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2025)

On March 7, 2023, Heidi Flanagan filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 26, 2021 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. The public materials show she filed for herself as an adult; they do not state an exact age.

Respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that Ms. Flanagan's illness met the Table criteria for GBS because onset occurred within the 3-to-42-day interval and no apparent alternative cause was identified.

The damages record described ascending paresthesias beginning around November 5, 2021. By November 30, 2021, a neurologist documented absent deep tendon reflexes bilaterally, weak hip flexors, a wide-based unsteady gait, and concern for GBS.

She was sent to the emergency department for MRI imaging, lumbar puncture, IVIG, and electrodiagnostic workup. Ms.

Flanagan's course was described as unusually mild compared with many GBS cases, but still disruptive. She was hospitalized for three days, received five IVIG infusions, endured a difficult lumbar puncture and painful EMG, and was separated from her newborn while breastfeeding.

She later reported rare residual tingling but no further GBS treatment. On October 31, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $135,000.00 for pain and suffering.