The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (PDF - 312 KB) , as amended, created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), a no-fault alternative to the traditional tort system. It provides compensation to people found to be injured by certain vaccines. Even in cases in which such a finding is not made, petitioners may receive compensation through a settlement.
The VICP was established after lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers and healthcare providers threatened to cause vaccine shortages and reduce vaccination rates. The Program began accepting petitions (also called claims) in 1988.
The 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255) (PDF) , enacted on December 13, 2016, made several amendments to the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986.
The Division of Injury Compensation Programs, Healthcare Systems Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services administers VICP.
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund provides funding for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to compensate vaccine-related injury or death petitions for covered vaccines administered on or after October 1, 1988.
Funded by a $.75 excise tax on vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for routine administration to children, the excise tax is imposed on each dose (i.e., disease that is prevented) of a vaccine. Trivalent influenza vaccine for example, is taxed $.75 because it prevents one disease; measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which prevents three diseases, is taxed $2.25.
The Department of Treasury collects the excise taxes and manages the Fund’s investments and produces Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund Monthly Reports.
The Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines, consisting of nine voting members, advises and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, on issues relating to the operation of the VICP and on ways to improve it.
For more information, read the FAQs.
The content of this website reflects the current thinking of the United States Department of Health and Human Services on the topics addressed and does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind the Department or the public. The ultimate decision about the scope of the statutes authorizing the VICP is within the authority of the United States Court of Federal Claims, which is responsible for resolving petitions for compensation under the VICP.
If you have additional questions, call: 1-800-338-2382 or email: vaccinecompensation@hrsa.gov.