For individuals diagnosed with vaccine injuries, finding reliable information can be difficult. Vaccines are a hot-button issue for many individuals, and many websites claiming to provide vaccine-related resources are often out-of-date and often provide accurate information.
When seeking information about vaccines and the compensation available for vaccine injuries, websites of federal government agencies are the most reliable source of informaiton. This includes the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which is the agency responsible for overseeing the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a shoulder injury, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) or any other vaccine-related injury or illness, below are a list of resources where information can be obtained concerning your legal rights:
Where to Learn about Vaccine Injuries and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP):
1. Vaccines.gov
Vaccines.gov is managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in partnership with the HRSA, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here, you will find information about the types of vaccines that are available, who should get vaccinated (and when), where to get vaccinated, and certain risk factors for vaccine-related injuries and illnesses.
2. The CDC’s Vaccine Resources
The CDC maintains a comprehensive vaccine resource website with up-to-date information on vaccine recommendations and vaccine effectiveness. Through the CDC’s website, vaccine recipients can also find information on vaccine-related risks – including those specific to children, women who are pregnant and adults over the age of 65.
3. National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal government program that has paid approximately $3.7 billion to individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related illnesses and injuries since 1989. While it is possible for vaccine recipients to file claims with the VICP on their own, the HRSA’s website notes that most claimants hire a lawyer. Since the VICP pays claimants’ legal fees (and these fees are not deducted from claimants’ compensation awards), hiring an experienced vaccine lawyer to handle your VICP claim can come at little or no financial cost to you.
4. The Vaccine Injury Table
One of the key components of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is the Vaccine Injury Table. The table, which was updated in early 2017, lists certain vaccine injuries for which proof of causation is not required. While this makes it easier to recover compensation for “on-table” injuries, both on-table and off-table injuries can be eligible for compensation.
5. The FDA
The FDA is the federal agency responsible for approving vaccines for use in the United States, and the FDA’s website provides a list of all currently-approved vaccines. Package inserts for approved vaccines are available as well, and these provide information on dosage amounts, warnings and precautions, known adverse reactions, and special considerations for individuals in certain specific populations.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a vaccine injury? If so, a skilled and knowledgeable attorney can help. To find out if you are eligible for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), call (202) 775-9200 or request a free consultation online today.