Influenza Vaccine Injuries Are Added to Federal Compensation
Program
People thought to be injured by influenza vaccines given annually will be eligible for
compensation under National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), effective July
1, 2005.
The VICP, created by Congress in 1986 as an alternative to traditional civil litigation,
provides financial compensation to eligible individuals thought to be injured by covered
childhood vaccines. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health
Resources and Services Administration, the program allows compensation for past and future
medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. In addition, compensation may also
be awarded for attorneys’ fees and costs.
Influenza is a serious disease affecting people of all ages. Each year in the United
States, it causes 36,000 deaths mostly among those aged 65 years or older and more than
200,000 hospitalizations. Yearly influenza vaccination is recommended as the best way
to reduce the chances of getting influenza for children aged 6-23 months, adults aged
65 years and older, and others.
Most people who receive the vaccine experience no serious problems. However, a vaccine,
like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems such as severe allergic reactions.
In those rare cases, the VICP provides compensation to those foundthought to be seriously
injured. To be eligible for compensation, claims must be filed by the latest of:
- within three years after the first symptoms of the vaccine injury;
- within two years of the vaccine-related death and not more than four years after the
start of the first symptom of the vaccine-related injury from which the death occurred;
or
- within two years from the date the vaccine is covered for injuries or deaths that occurred
up to eight years before the date the vaccine is covered. For influenza vaccines,
claims not meeting the other deadlines have to be filed by July 1, 2007, for injuries or deaths
that occurred on or after July 1, 1997.
To access the Federal Register notice announcing coverage of the influenza vaccine under
the VICP, to learn how to file a claim, or to obtain more information on the program,
visit http://www.hrsa.gov/osp/vicp, or call 1-800-338-2382.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at
http://www.hhs.gov/news |
