National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

Link to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program:  https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation​

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal initiative that offers a no-fault alternative to the traditional legal system for individuals who believe they have been injured by certain vaccines.
Key Aspects of the VICP:

• Purpose: Established in the 1980s, the VICP aims to ensure a stable vaccine supply by addressing concerns over vaccine safety and reducing the potential for vaccine shortages due to litigation.
• Eligibility: Individuals of any age who have received a vaccine covered by the VICP and believe they have been injured as a result can file a petition. Parents or legal guardians can file on behalf of minors or disabled adults.
• Process:
  1. A petition is filed with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
  2. Medical staff from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services review the petition to determine if it meets the criteria for compensation.
  3. The U.S. Department of Justice prepares a report with medical recommendations and legal analysis for the Court.
  4. The Court issues a decision, and if compensation is awarded, it is typically funded through an excise tax on vaccines.
• Coverage: The VICP covers vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine administration to children and pregnant women, including those for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza.
• Compensation: Even in cases where causation is not conclusively proven, petitioners may receive compensation through settlements.