Brian Citizen v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2025)

Brian Citizen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on October 5, 2022. The petition stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, his injuries lasted more than six months, and no prior action or compensation had been sought for these injuries.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Mr. Citizen was entitled to compensation.

The respondent agreed that Mr. Citizen met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table for GBS, which provides a presumption of causation if the onset occurs between three and forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination and there is no apparent alternative cause.

Following the ruling on entitlement, the parties reached a stipulation for damages. The respondent proffered an award of $130,242.27, which included $110,000.00 for pain and suffering, $8,214.65 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $12,027.62 for past lost wages.

Mr. Citizen agreed with this proffered award.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding Mr. Citizen the stipulated lump sum of $130,242.27.