The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently published its final vaccine injury compensation data for the federal government’s 2026 fiscal year. The data highlighted notable trends, including those continuing from prior years. Learn about some key takeaways from vaccine injury lawyer Leah V. Durant.
The federal government’s fiscal year ended on September 30, 2026, and on October 1, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) published its year-end data on vaccine injury claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). These data highlight notable trends, and reviewing them can provide valuable insight into the program’s current status, as well as key considerations for pursuing claims for financial compensation.
Here are some of the most notable figures from the HRSA’s year-end report:
Total Compensation Paid Under the VICP in FY2026: $148.3 Million
During the federal government’s 2026 fiscal year, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) paid nearly $148.3 million to successful claimants. This exceeded the approximately $142.9 million paid in 2025 but was less than the amount paid in every other year since 2010, except 2023.
Total Compensation Awards Issued in FY2026: 1,095
A total of 1,095 claimants received compensation under the VICP in FY2026. Notably, this exceeded the total number of successful claimants in all prior years since 2010, except 2024. In other words, while the amount of compensation awarded under the VICP has largely been decreasing over the past 15-plus years, the number of successful claims has largely increased over this same time period.
Average Compensation Award Amount in FY2026: $135,415
This also means the average award amount under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has fallen in recent years. In fiscal year 2026, the average VICP award amount was approximately $135,415. By contrast, in 2010, the average award amount was more than $1.04 million. While this reflects an overall trend in program administration, $135,415 is still a lot of money; throughout the year, our firm secured multiple awards well above the national average.
Total Number of VICP Claims Filed in FY2026: 1,192
During the federal government’s 2026 fiscal year, 1,192 vaccine recipients and families filed claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This tied with 2020 for the fewest claims filed since 2017. However, except in 2021 (when 2,057 claims were filed), the total number of filings has remained fairly consistent over the past decade.
Total Number of VICP Claims Dismissed in FY2026: 191
While 1,095 VICP claimants received compensation awards during the 2026 fiscal year, only 191 claimants had their claims dismissed. This was the smallest number since 2019—when the Vaccine Court also dismissed 191 claims while issuing just 653 awards.
Total Compensated Claims Since the Start of the VICP: 13,539
Since its establishment in 1988, the VICP has compensated 13,539 claims for vaccine-related medical conditions ranging from shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). More than half of these claims—8,442—have involved conditions linked to the annual flu shot. Tetanus vaccines (i.e., DTaP and Tdap) account for the next largest percentage of successful VICP claims, followed by claims involving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
FAQs: What Vaccine Recipients Should Know About the VICP
What is the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)?
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that provides financial recovery for individuals and families coping with eligible vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. Since its establishment in 1988, the VICP has paid more than $5 billion to successful claimants.
What are the requirements for filing a VICP claim?
To file a claim under the VICP, you must provide medical documentation of an injury or illness linked to an immunization listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. The statute of limitations for filing a VICP claim is three years for non-fatal medical conditions and two years for fatal injuries and illnesses.
What does filing a VICP claim involve?
Filing a VICP claim involves submitting a formal petition to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (also commonly known as the “Vaccine Court”). Claimants must have documentation of their eligibility and the losses they are entitled to recover. Because the process is complex, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced vaccine injury lawyer.
We Handle All VICP Claims at No Cost to Our Clients
Our practice represents individuals and families in claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). We have extensive experience securing compensation awards both in and out of court, and we handle all VICP claims at no cost to our clients. Our services include:
- Providing free, no-obligation VICP claim assessments
- Carefully calculating the compensation our clients are entitled to recover
- Preparing our clients’ claims and filing them in the Vaccine Court
- Negotiating out-of-court settlements with the government’s attorneys when possible
- Fighting for just compensation in the Vaccine Court when necessary
The costs associated with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses can be substantial; and, as a result, filing a successful VICP claim can be an important part of the recovery process. If you would like to know more about filing a VICP claim, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation today.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Vaccine Injury Lawyer at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates
Do you have questions about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)? If so, an experienced vaccine injury lawyer at our firm will be more than happy to explain everything you need to know. To schedule a free consultation at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, call us at 202-775-9200 or tell us how we can help online today.