Each month, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) publishes updated statistics on vaccine injury claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The monthly National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Data Report provides up-to-date information on:

  • Number of vaccine injury claims filed, compensated and denied;
  • Types and amounts of compensation awards issued; and,
  • Types of vaccines and vaccine injuries included in claims for compensation.

Here are some of the most-notable statistics from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Data Report published on January 3, 2018:

2018 Data and Statistics: Vaccine Injury Claims Under the VICP

1. Approximately 33 Percent of VICP Claimants Receive Compensation

From the establishment of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in October 1988 through January 2018, just over 19,000 individuals and families have filed claims for compensation under the VICP. With approximately 4,000 claims remaining unresolved, 5,825 claims have resulted in awards of compensation, while 11,113 claims have been denied. This means that approximately one-third of all VICP claimants receive compensation.

2. 93 Percent of VICP Claims Involve Non-Fatal Injuries

Of the 19,021 claims filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program through January 3, 2018, 17,772 involved non-fatal injuries. This amounts to 93 percent of all VICP claims.

3. Flu Shot Injury Claims are Most Common, But More DTP Claims Involve Fatal Injuries

Of the 19,021 claims filed, over 4,000 involve flu shot-related injuries (including 197 fatal injuries). However, while flu shot injury claims are most common, the most claims involving fatal injuries result from vaccinations for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DTP). Since October 1988, 696 families have sought compensation for fatal injuries and illnesses linked to DTP vaccinations.

4. Vaccine Injury Claims are on the Rise

The number of vaccine injury claims filed under the VICP has risen each year since 2011, and 2017 saw a 13-year high in the number of claims filed. In total, 1,243 individuals and families filed claims for compensation in fiscal year 2017. So far, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has already received 339 claims for the 2018 fiscal year.

5. Total Compensation Under the VICP has Surpassed $3.5 Billion

In fiscal year 2017, the VICP paid more than $252 million to compensate individuals and families coping with the effects of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. This brings the total compensation awarded under the VICP to more than $3.5 billion. The VICP has paid more than $200 million in compensation each year since 2013.

6. Over 5,000 Claims Have Been Filed for “Unspecified” Vaccines, But Just Eight Have Been Paid

Recovering compensation under the VICP requires a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations that apply. While claimants are not legally-required to hire an attorney, unrepresented claimants are more likely to overlook the requirements for filing a successful claim, and they are far less likely to receive compensation for their injuries. This is reflected in the fact that of the 5,424 claims filed for “unspecified” vaccines, just eight have resulted in payments of compensation.

Speak with Vaccine Injury Lawyer Leah V. Durant

The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates provides nationwide legal representation for claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a vaccine-related illness or injury, we encourage you to call (202) 775-9200 or contact us online for a free consultation.