What is the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and What Vaccines are Covered?

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (“VICP”) was started in 1986 by an Act of Congress in order to keep vaccine manufacturers in the business of developing vaccines without fear of being sued, and to help those who have adverse reactions from vaccinations. It is not a secret that vaccines save lives by preventing diseases. Millions of people are vaccinated every year and most have no serious side effects. Vaccines, like any medications, such as the ones that you see advertised on television, can cause serious problems or severe allergic reactions. In those limited cases, the VICP, a federal program, provides compensation to people injured by certain vaccines.

The claims are presented to judges (Special Masters) who work in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. There are three Federal Government offices involved in the VICP: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), generally referred to as the Respondent in a vaccine claim; the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the attorneys who defend HHS; and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims which is the court that hears the claims. The following is a list of vaccines that are covered by the VICP. If you have an adverse reaction from a vaccine not listed below, then you will not be able to receive compensation for a vaccine injury. The vaccines covered by the VICP are as follows:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP, DTaP, Tdap, DT, Td, or TT)
• Hepatitis A (HAV)
• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Influenza (TIV, LAIV)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR, MR, M, R)
• Polio (OPV or IPV)
• Meningococcal (MCV4, MPSV4, MenB-FHbp, MenB-4C)
• Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
• Rotavirus (RV)
• Varicella (VZV)
• Any combination of the above vaccines.

The adverse reactions from the above vaccines vary by vaccination. The adverse reaction can be minor or they can be serious, disabling and in some circumstances can cause death.

If you, a friend, or a loved one have any questions about whether you have a vaccine injury claim, time is of the essence as there are time limits in which you can bring a claim. We have been representing children, adults, and families affected by adverse reactions from vaccines since shortly after the VICP began. We represent people from around the country. Our fees and costs, and even travel to meet with our clients, if necessary, are not your obligation, and our clients never pay for our fees or costs. Please feel free to contact us with questions or concerns by telephone at 1(800) 431-9776, email at mark@kh-law.net or check out our website https://khtlawyers.com for additional information.

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Stephanie Thompson, Estate Planning Attorney of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC

As the owner of Krueger Hernandez & Thompson SC, it is Stephanie’s mission to address each client’s goals for their estate plan. By identifying their wishes and concerns she can educate, guide, and counsel on the different tools and options that will effectively and efficiently accomplish those goals.

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