Mona Ballard v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2025)

Mona Ballard filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 3, 2025, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on November 21, 2023. She stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that her condition resulted in residual effects for more than six months, and that no prior action or compensation had been received for her injuries.

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

The respondent agreed that Ms. Ballard met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation, which provide a presumption of causation for GBS if it occurs between three and forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination and has no apparent alternative cause.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, the Chief Special Master found that Ms. Ballard is entitled to compensation, with the case to proceed to damages.