The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) exists to compensate those injured by a vaccine. The government created the program in the 1980s to ensure that vaccine manufacturers did not try to limit the vaccines they provide for fear of being sued if something went wrong.
It works on a no-fault basis, emphasizing the importance of vaccines to public health while acknowledging that someone will occasionally suffer an adverse reaction or injury in the course of receiving a jab.
What vaccines does the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program cover?
The VICP covers most of the well-established vaccines, the ones that have shown themselves to be safe and beneficial for the vast majority of people over the years. They include vaccines against:
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles
- Seasonal Flu
- Hepatitis A and B
Note that there is more than one vaccine available against a particular disease in some cases, and the VICP may cover one type but not another. Seek advice if you are unsure whether it covers the vaccine you took.
How do you claim for a vaccine injury?
Despite there being a system set up to claim, it is not straightforward, and you will need legal help to submit your claim correctly. You still need to prove you have a valid claim, so knowing what evidence you need and how to get it is crucial to a speedy resolution of your case.
Time limits also apply, and if you fail to present the necessary paperwork in time, you will lose your right to claim. You have three years to claim for a vaccine injury but only two years to claim for a vaccine-related death of a family member.