Proposed Changes to the VICP
Proposed VICP Reforms: What It Could Mean for Vaccine Injury Claims
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has long served as a safety net for people harmed by routine vaccines. Recently, Robert F. Kennedy, the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced plans to overhaul the program—criticizing its limits and suggesting it no longer adequately protects those suffering from vaccine-related injuries. While his proposal is still in its early stages, it’s raised important questions about the program’s future and how vaccine injury claims are handled.
So far, Kennedy has hinted at several possible reforms, including extending the statute of limitations for filing claims and adding COVID-19 vaccines to the list of those covered under the VICP. These would be major changes, as COVID-19 vaccine claims currently fall under a separate system—the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP)—which has faced widespread criticism for being slow, restrictive, and often denying valid claims.
While no formal details have been released, advocates and legal experts agree that Kennedy’s comments could signal a serious effort to modernize the VICP, which has changed little since its creation over 40 years ago.
For now, however, the program continues to operate as usual. If you or a loved one have suffered a vaccine-related injury, you can still file a claim today.
The VICP covers most vaccines recommended by the CDC, including flu, tetanus, MMR, pneumococcal, and HPV vaccines. Since the program began in the late 1980s, it has paid out over $4.8 billion in compensation to individuals and families. Awards can include reimbursement for medical bills, lost income, and up to $250,000 for pain and suffering.
The program was designed to be faster, more accessible, and less expensive than suing a drug company or healthcare provider in civil court—and it works that way for many.
However, the VICP process can still be confusing. Each case requires detailed medical documentation, expert analysis, and legal precision to prove that the vaccine caused the injury. It takes an immense amount of medical and legal expertise to handle these cases.
That’s where our team at Pearsall Law Firm, P.C. comes in to level the playing field.
We help clients navigate this process, build strong medical evidence, and ensure every legal step is handled properly. Whether the VICP changes tomorrow or remains as it is today, your right to compensation deserves protection now.
If you’ve been injured by a vaccine and aren’t sure whether you qualify under the current law—or how potential reforms may affect your claim—contact Pearsall Law Firm, P.C. today. Click “Contact Us Now” at the top of this page to schedule a free consultation and case review.