Clearing Up the Biggest VICP Myths and Misconceptions
There’s a lot of confusion about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Some people think it’s a government “slush fund,” others believe it’s taxpayer money protecting Big Pharma, and still others think it’s meant to silence lawsuits.
None of that is true.
At Pearsall Law Firm, P.C., we’ve handled countless VICP claims and want to clear the air about what this program and its lawyers actually do—and why this program exists.
Myth #1: “My tax dollars are paying to protect vaccine companies.”
Reality: Not a penny of your income taxes funds the VICP. The program is paid for through a $0.75 federal excise tax per vaccine dose, which is paid by the vaccine manufacturers.
That money goes into a federal trust fund used exclusively to compensate individuals injured by vaccines. In other words, vaccine companies fund the safety net that helps people in the rare event that something goes wrong.
Myth #2: “This program makes sure Pfizer and others get off scot-free.”
Reality: The VICP doesn’t shield vaccine makers from criminal or civil liability. If a manufacturer commits fraud, falsifies data, or violates safety standards, they can absolutely still be sued or prosecuted.
The VICP simply gives injured people a faster, less costly way to get compensated without suing a massive corporation—but you can still opt out of the program and file a traditional lawsuit if you prefer.
Myth #3: “The VICP is just a slush fund for lawyers.”
Reality: A “slush fund” is money used for shady or illegal purposes. The VICP is the opposite—it’s a public accountability program that pays medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering to people who’ve been hurt by vaccines.
It exists because vaccines benefit society as a whole, and it’s only fair to take care of those who suffer rare adverse effects. It pays attorneys based on the hours they put into a case, and the court will review their hours to ensure that they are reasonable.
Myth #4: “This program encourages greedy, opportunistic lawsuits.”
Reality: Fraudulent claims are criminal acts. The program’s safeguards—medical documentation, strict filing deadlines, and government review—make false claims nearly impossible to slip through. The real goal of the VICP is to compensate the legitimately injured, not opportunists.
Myth #5: “Talking about vaccine injuries makes people scared.”
Reality: To the contrary, when people know that the government stands behind vaccines with a fair compensation system, it actually builds confidence. The VICP removes fear by ensuring there’s help available—if needed.
The reality is we all know there’s a small chance of injury, and the VICP reassures people that even if they end up on the wrong side of that risk, the government will compensate them for their troubles.
Think of the VICP as Insurance for the Public
The VICP works like an insurance policy for everyone. Manufacturers pay a small fee per vaccine so that, in the rare event of an injury, there’s a ready pool of money to help the victim—without having to prove who is at fault, without costing you a penny (unless you file a claim without an attorney).
If you believe you or a loved one were injured by a vaccine, Pearsall Law Firm, P.C. can help you file your claim and recover what you’re owed. Click the “Contact Us Now” button at the top of this page to schedule your free consult and free case review today.