Vaccines that are covered by the VICP include: Seasonal Flu vaccines, DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus), MMR (mumps, measles and rubella), Varicella (chicken pox), HIB (Haemophilus influenza type B), Hepatitis A and B, HPV (human papillomavirus), pneumococcal conjugate (for pneumonia), Rotavirus, and other vaccines. As of September of 2024, COVID vaccines are not yet covered by the VICP but such vaccines are expected to be added to the vaccine program by Congress. To check whether COVID vaccines have been added to the program, please check the website for the VICP at https://uscfc.uscourts.gov/vaccine-programoffice-special-masters
If the Special Master determines that a person was harmed by a vaccine, then the Special Master is authorized to compensate that individual for his or her unreimbursed medical expenses (both past and future), lost earnings or lost earning potential (past and future), and an amount for past and future pain and suffering (up to $250,000). In addition, if a person dies as a result of receipt of a covered vaccine, the deceased’s personal representative may receive an award of up to $250,000.
Importantly, there are time limits that apply in vaccine injury cases. Specifically, a person has three years from the onset of the first symptom of a vaccine reaction in which to file a claim for a vaccine-related injury. For a vaccine-related death, the claim must be filed within two years after the death.
If you or a loved one has experienced a vaccine injury, do not be discouraged by fears related to the attorneys’ fees or expenses involved in pursuing a claim. Provided that such claims are filed with a good faith and reasonable basis, the VICP compensates for attorney’s fees and costs those attorneys who are admitted to practice in the VICP, which fees and costs are incurred in pursuing a claim for vaccine injury. Injured claimants are not responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees in seeking an award and Christensen & Jensen pays all costs incurred in pursuing such claims including filing fees, medical record costs, expert witness fees and other expenses relating to vaccine injury litigation.
