For nearly 40 years, the U.S. Vaccine Court has handled injury claims from vaccines like polio and measles compensating victims efficiently without lawsuits.
Rare Injuries
Vaccine injuries are extremely rare, but the program exists to protect those few who experience severe reactions after immunization.
COVID Gap
COVID-19 vaccines aren’t part of the main compensation system; they fall under a separate emergency measure program.
PREP Act
The PREP Act shields vaccine makers from lawsuits during public health emergencies while offering limited compensation through a smaller program.
Limited Help
Only a few COVID vaccine injury claims have been approved out of thousands, frustrating those who suffered rare side effects.
VICP Success
The main Vaccine Court has awarded nearly $5 billion to over 12,000 Americans for vaccine-related injuries since 1988.
Expert Opinions
Legal experts say COVID vaccines should be added to the main court to ensure fairness and faster compensation.
System Strain
If thousands of COVID claims move to the court, experts warn of major backlogs without more judges or funding.
Health Balance
Adding COVID vaccines could raise safety fears, but experts stress vaccines save lives and protect communities through herd immunity.
Future Outlook
Congress may consider reforms soon. For now, victims await fair compensation and recognition within the vaccine injury system.