In a landmark ruling, a U.S. federal court has declared that influenza vaccines cause Guillain-Barré Syndrome, an incurable and life-threatening neurological disorder.
The ruling was issued by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
The court sided with Alan Lien of Wisconsin, who had suffered life-changing injuries caused by a flu shot.
Lien was awarded $500,000 in damages for his vaccine-induced injury.
It marks a significant ruling under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
The judgment follows Lien’s diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
The court determined that Lien’s GBS was caused by a flu shot received in October 2019.
Represented by attorney Randy Knutson of the Knutson Casey Law Firm, Lien filed his petition in October 2021.
The Vaccine Court ruled in February 2023 that Lien was entitled to compensation.
A final settlement, agreed upon in March 2025, provides a lump sum payment to cover damages.
Lien received compensation for lost income after he was forced to leave his job as a Frito-Lay driver due to the condition.
“This decision acknowledges the serious, life-changing impact of GBS and helps provide much-needed support to Mr. Lien,” said Knutson.
The VICP was established in 1986.
The program is funded by a federal