Vaccine Injury Compensation Data

Vaccine Injury Compensation Data


Most Recent Data Report

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Data Report (PDF - 247 KB) - updated August 1, 2021.
Updated monthly, and includes the number of

• petitions filed;
  
• adjudications compensated and dismissed;
  
• awards paid by type and amount;
  
• claims by vaccine; and
  
• adjudication categories by vaccine.
  

The United States has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in history. In the majority of cases, vaccines cause no side effects, however they can occur, as with any medication—but most are mild. Very rarely, people experience more serious side effects, like allergic reactions.
In those instances, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) allows individuals to file a petition for compensation.

What does it mean to be awarded compensation?

Being awarded compensation for a petition does not necessarily mean that the vaccine caused the alleged injury. In fact:

• Approximately 60% of all compensation awarded by the VICP comes as result of a negotiated settlement between the parties in which HHS has not concluded, based upon review of the evidence, that the alleged vaccine(s) caused the alleged injury.
  
• Attorneys are eligible for reasonable attorneys’ fees, whether or not the petitioner is awarded compensation by the Court, if certain minimal requirements are met. In those circumstances, attorneys are paid by the VICP directly. By statute, attorneys may not charge any other fee, including a contingency fee, for his or her services in representing a petitioner in the VICP.
  

What reasons might a petition result in a negotiated settlement?

• Consideration of prior U.S. Court of Federal Claims decisions, both parties decide to minimize risk of loss through settlement
  
• A desire to minimize the time and expense of litigating a case  
  
• The desire to resolve a petition quickly
  

Disclaimer 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.

Date Last Reviewed:  August 2021

https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation/data/index.html