Sharon Kawashiri v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2025)

Sharon Kawashiri filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on June 23, 2023. She alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on November 12, 2021.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on July 1, 2024, conceding that Ms. Kawashiri was entitled to compensation.

The respondent agreed that her condition met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for a presumptive GBS Table injury. On July 2, 2024, Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement, finding Ms. Kawashiri eligible for compensation.

Subsequently, on August 5, 2025, the parties submitted a Proffer on Award of Compensation. The respondent recommended, and Ms.

Kawashiri agreed, that she should be awarded $140,000.00 for pain and suffering and $4,916.06 for past unreimbursable expenses. Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Decision Awarding Damages on September 11, 2025, awarding a total lump sum of $144,916.06 to Ms.

Kawashiri. This amount was to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement.

Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and the respondent was represented by Mark Kim Hellie of the U.S.

Department of Justice.