Christopher Derr v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2026)

Christopher Derr filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 26, 2023. He alleged that he suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccination on September 27, 2021, and that he experienced residual effects from the injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on May 10, 2024, conceding that Mr. Derr is entitled to compensation.

The respondent specifically stated that the records established the requirements for a flu/GBS Table injury, citing relevant regulations, and agreed that the petitioner is entitled to compensation under the Act. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran found that Mr. Derr is entitled to compensation.

The case is proceeding to determine the amount of damages. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V.

Durant, PLLC, and Respondent was represented by Mary Novakovic of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The decision on entitlement was issued on May 13, 2024. Update: a decision awarding damages filed 2026-03-26 resolved the case for $163,328.