The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program after lawsuits against manufacturers threatened to cause vaccine shortages. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34.
In an effort to maintain a supply of vaccines, as well as develop new ones, this unique program was created. The Vaccine Act, effective October 1, 1988, established the Vaccine Program as a no-fault program under which petitions for monetary compensation may be brought by or on behalf of those injured or killed through the administration of certain vaccines.
Read the May 15, 2017 Minnesota Lawyer article written by Kathleen Loucks, which covers the following topics:
- Preemption and jurisdiction
- When may a vaccine or administrator or manufacturer be sued?
- Number of cases filed and average time to completion
- Which vaccines are covered?
- What compensation is due?
- Attorney requirements
