Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
Starting points for medical care, federal program information, records, and support after a suspected vaccine injury.
A few important reminders
Plain-language answers
Useful resources include treating physicians and specialists, medical-record portals, the federal VICP and CICP information, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, patient-support organizations, and a vaccine injury attorney. Use each resource for its proper role and verify current program information.
The Trust Fund finances compensation and related payments for eligible VICP claims. It is funded primarily through an excise tax on covered vaccines, allowing the program to compensate qualifying claimants without requiring a traditional product-liability showing in every case.
The Department of Health and Human Services, including the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), administers key program functions. Petitioners file in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, where Special Masters decide many cases; the Department of Justice may represent the government in the litigation.
Yes. React19, the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), and similar patient or condition-specific organizations may offer education, peer support, and advocacy resources. Their information is not a substitute for individualized legal or medical advice.
Begin with a primary-care provider or appropriate specialist, such as a neurologist, orthopedist, immunologist, or rehabilitation clinician. Ask providers to document symptoms, timing, diagnoses, testing, treatment, functional limits, and alternative explanations in the medical record.
Request complete records from vaccination providers, hospitals, primary-care offices, specialists, imaging centers, pharmacies, and therapists. Sort them chronologically, keep vaccination records separate, note missing documents, and maintain a simple symptom, treatment, work, and expense timeline.
Look for counsel who understands the VICP, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the Vaccine Injury Table, federal deadlines, medical evidence, and the difference between on-table and off-table claims. The attorney should explain uncertainty clearly and describe fees and communication expectations.
Support resources may be available at any time, but a VICP claim is subject to strict filing deadlines. Many injury claims use a three-year period tied to first symptom or significant aggravation, while death claims and CICP matters use different rules. Do not delay a deadline review.
Preserve your vaccination and medical records, make a symptom timeline, identify the diagnosis and onset date, and arrange a confidential consultation. Counsel can compare the facts with the current Table, assess deadlines, and explain whether the VICP or another program may apply.
Contact an attorney as early as practical after a serious or persistent reaction. Early advice can help prevent lost records or a missed deadline while you continue receiving appropriate medical care.
This page is for general information only. It is not legal or medical advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. VICP petitions are filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Eligibility, deadlines, evidence, potential compensation, and results depend on the facts of each matter, the applicable Vaccine Injury Table, and the rules in effect when the claim is evaluated. No result is guaranteed.
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Questions about a vaccine injury can be time-sensitive. Call the firm or schedule a confidential consultation to discuss the records, timing, and possible path for your situation.
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