On October 1, 1988, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (Public
Law 99-660) created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
The VICP was established to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines, stabilize
vaccine costs, and establish and maintain an accessible and efficient forum
for individuals found to be injured by certain vaccines. The VICP is a no-fault
alternative to the traditional tort system for resolving vaccine injury claims
that provides compensation to people found to be injured by certain vaccines.
The U. S. Court of Federal Claims decides who will be paid. Three Federal government
offices have a role in the VICP:
the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS);
the U.S. Department of Justice
the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
The VICP is located in the HHS, Health Resources
and Services Administration, Healthcare Systems
Bureau, Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation.
Additional HHS Vaccine Information
information reflects the current thinking of the United States Department
of Health and Human Services on the topics addressed. This information is
not legal advice 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 claims for compensation under the VICP.