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I’ve been Injured by a Vaccine- What is the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?

Jan 9, 2016

If you have been injured by a vaccine there is national program that you might qualify for to receive compensation for your injuries and to ensure you have the ability to receive future care and treatment for your injury.  If you have received a vaccine-related injury, it is important to find a lawyer that is licensed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and has experience practicing before the vaccine court to file your case.
What is the VICP? 
On October 1, 1988, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP was established to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines, stabilize vaccine costs, and establish and maintain an accessible and efficient forum for individuals found to be injured by certain vaccines. The VICP is an alternative to the traditional tort system for resolving vaccine injury claims that provides compensation to people found to be injured by certain vaccines. The U. S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington D.C. is the only venue where these claims may be filed.

The Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund provides funding for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to compensate vaccine-related injury or death claims for covered vaccines administered on or after October 1, 1988.  Compensation varies, depending on the injury, and can include as much as $250,000 for pain and suffering, lost earnings, legal fees, and/or a reasonable amount for past and future care.

What Vaccines are Covered?

  • diptheria and tetanus vaccines (e.g., DTaP, DTP, DT, Td, or TT),
  • pertussis vaccines (e.g., DTP, DTaP, P, Tdap, DTP-Hib),
  • measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines (e.g., MMR, MR, M, R),
  • polio vaccines (e.g., OPV or IPV),
  • hepatitis A vaccines (e.g., HAV),
  • hepatitis B vaccines (e.g.,HBV),
  • Haemophilus influenza type b polysaccharide conjugate vaccines  (e.g., Hib),
  • varicella vaccines (e.g., VZV) [herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine is not covered],
  • rotavirus vaccines (e.g.,RV),
  • pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (e.g., PCV),
  • seasonal influenza vaccines (e.g., IIV3 standard dose, IIV3 high dose, IIV4, RIV3, LAIV3, LAIV4),
  • human papillomavirus vaccines (e.g., HPV),
  • meningococcal vaccines (e.g., MCV4, MPSV4, recombinant)

What about Attorney’s Fees and Costs?

If your case is one that qualifies for this special program, your attorneys fees and the costs of your case will be covered by the program at the conclusion of your case.   If you have been injured by a vaccine or by the manner in which a vaccine was administered- call Bryan, diStefano & Mattingley for a consultation:  406-890-1880.