The COVID-19 vaccine is the newest addition to the long list of vaccines utilized in the United States to prevent and eliminate disease. Many of these vaccines that have been in use for years or decades are included in the VICP. This Program, adopted by Congress in 1986, is designed to compensate victims that have sustained rare injuries caused by a vaccine while assuring the health and integrity of the Vaccine Program itself.

Unfortunately, while the COVID vaccine was in development, Congress made the decision to exclude COVID-19 vaccines from the Program. Also, complete civil immunity was provided to pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and vaccine administrators in connection with any potential civil claim. Congress specifically enacted legislation confirming that anyone alleging injuries from the COVID-19 vaccine may not seek compensation in the VICP. The only remaining realistic option is to seek the very modest relief provided by the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP). That Program permits payment of medical expenses but does not cover pain and suffering or legal fees. A link to that fund can be found at https://www.hrsa.gov/cicp.

Those of us who advocate for the rare individuals that may have sustained an injury from a vaccine are working hard to convince Congress to include the COVID-19 vaccine in the VICP. Legislation has been proposed and lobbying efforts are underway.

We would be remiss if we did not mention that we encourage all Americans to receive all of their recommended vaccinations, particularly the COVID-19 vaccine. While vaccines may present very rare side effects, their enormous benefits far outweigh the very low risk which they present.