What is the Purpose?
Three decades ago, lawsuits began to hit the court system in record numbers. These lawsuits claimed that people had been injured by childhood vaccines. The lawsuits acted as a sort of deterrent, causing many companies to stop developing new vaccines, even if they had been proven to have a social benefit.
Additionally, many families spent large amount of money seeking compensation for the injuries. In response to both of these issues, Congress established the VICP. It’s purpose is to:
- Ensure that there is an adequate supply of vaccines
- Stabilize the cost of vaccines
- Provide an efficient forum for people who were injured by childhood vaccines
The VICP was officially put into effect in 1988. Since then, the number of lawsuits involving vaccine injury have decreased dramatically, vaccines continue to be manufactured, and new vaccines continue to be developed.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to participate, you must have been injured by a covered vaccine. These include:
- diptheria, pertussis, tetanus (DTap, DTP, Tdap, TT, DT, or Td)
- haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- hepatitis A and B
- human papillomavirus (HPV)
- influenza (TIV, LAIV)
- measles, mumps, rubella (MMR, M or R, MR)
- meningococcal disease (MCV4, MPSV4)
- polio (OPV or IPV)
- pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
- rotavirus (RV)
- varicella (VZV)
As new vaccines are covered, they will be added to VICP. In addition to only covered vaccines being eligible, only certain injuries are eligible. These can be found at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.
If you or your child has experienced injury due to vaccination, please call our office. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to review the facts of your case and advise you of your options. Your first consultation will be held at no cost to you. Call today for assistance.
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