Can The Flu Shot Cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?

Despite being generally safe for most people, the annual flu shot carries certain risks. This includes the risk of being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (also known as “Guillain Barre” or “GBS”). Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a potentially serious medical condition with several different variants. For individuals diagnosed with Guillain Barre after a flu shot, their prognosis will depend on a variety of different factors.

How Is Guillain Barre Linked to the Flu Shot?

While several studies have linked Guillain Barre to the flu shot, the precise cause of Guillain Barre remains unknown. However, with evidence of the link between the Guillain Barre and the flu shot growing, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) added Guillain Barre to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program’s (VICP) Vaccine Injury Table in 2017.

Under the VICP, a Guillain Barre diagnosis is presumed to result from a flu shot if symptoms of the disorder onset between three and 42 days following vaccination. This includes symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Difficulty with bowel or bladder control
• Loss of eye and facial control
• Loss of reflexes
• Sudden changes in heart rate or blood pressure

What Compensation is Available to Individuals Who are Diagnosed with Guillain Barre After a Flu Shot?

The National Vaccine Compensation Program provides three primary forms of financial compensation to individuals diagnosed with Guillain Barre following a flu shot. Under the VICP, it is possible to recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses and Related Out-of-Pocket Costs – The VICP provides coverage for all diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation, therapy and related medical needs resulting from vaccine-related illnesses and injuries.
• Loss of Income and Earning Capacity – For individuals who are unable to work due to their Guillain Barre diagnosis, the VICP provides compensation for loss of income and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering – In addition to the financial losses discussed above, the VICP also provides compensation for successful claimants’ pain and suffering.

How Do You Seek Compensation for Guillain Barre from a Flu Shot?

Seeking compensation for Guillain Barre from a flu shot involves filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Individuals who are diagnosed with GBS have up to three years to file a VICP claim. This three-year period runs from the date of the first symptom or manifestation of onset of Guillain Barre.

For families that are coping with the loss of a loved one due to GBS from a flu shot, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. However, the claim must also be filed within four years of the first symptom or manifestation of onset of their loved one’s condition. Learn more about filing a claim under the VICP.

Do You Have a VICP Claim for Guillain Barre from a Flu Shot?

If you would like more information about seeking financial compensation for GBS under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with vaccine attorney Leah Durant in confidence, call 202-800-1711 or inquire online today.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.