In 1988, the federal government established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) to provide individuals who suffer complications from vaccinations the ability to recover financial compensation without the need to prove that someone else is liable for their injuries. This is an important benefit: without it, people would be forced to take on drug manufacturers with the burden of proving that pharmaceutical companies were manufacturing and selling defective products.
Central to the VICP is what is known as, the “Vaccine Injury Table.” This is the document that determines which vaccines are covered by the program. It has three key aspects:
- It specifies certain vaccines that are covered by the VICP,
- It specifies the illnesses, disabilities, injuries and conditions that entitle victims to compensation, and;
- It provides the rules for when victims who do not meet the standard criteria can still receive compensation under the VICP.
Vaccinations on the VICP Vaccine Injury Table
The vaccines listed on the Vaccine Injury Table include:
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccines
- Flu vaccines
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines
- HPV vaccines
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines
- Meningococcal vaccines
- Pneumococcal vaccines
- Polio vaccines
- Rotavirus vaccines
- Tetanus vaccines
In addition, the Table notes that vaccines “recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for routine administration to children” can be covered by the VICP as well.
Covered Medical Conditions Under the VICP
Importantly, the Vaccine Injury Table does not cover all complications relating to the vaccines listed above. For the majority of the vaccinations listed, the Vaccine Injury Table includes certain conditions that are eligible for compensation under the VICP. Many of the conditions listed relate to a vaccines’ known side effects.
For example, covered conditions for tetanus vaccinations include anaphylaxis occurring within four hours of administration of the vaccine, brachial neuritis occurring within two to 28 days and related complications arising during these same time periods. Covered conditions for MMR vaccines include anaphylaxis, arthritis, encephalopathy and certain viral infections – also with prescribed time limitations.
What if My Condition Isn’t Listed in the Vaccine Injury Table?
If you have suffered complications after receiving a vaccination, you may be eligible for compensation under the VICP even if your condition isn’t listed in the Vaccine Injury Table. In these situations, the key will be showing that your condition is causally related to your receipt of the vaccine. In other words, there has to be a sufficient link between the administration of your vaccine and your injuries that followed. Learn more about the requirements to file a vaccine injury claim.
Find Out if Your Medical Condition is Covered Under the VICP – Contact Vaccine Injury Attorney Leah Durant Today
Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC provides experienced legal representation for vaccine injury victims nationwide. When you contact us, we will help you determine whether your condition is covered under the VICP. Once eligibility is determined, our vaccine attorney will pursue your claim at no financial cost to you. If you have been injured by a vaccine, don’t wait. Contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant to schedule your free consultation today.