The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently announced that some long-awaited changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) will take effect in 2017. Originally assigned an effective date of February 21, the changes are currently scheduled to take effect on March 21, 2017.
While several of the changes involve minor revisions that are designed to clarify language and streamline the overall appearance of the Vaccine Injury Table, there are two changes that are particularly noteworthy.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) to Become an “On-Table Injury” for the Flu Shot
The most significant change to the National Vaccine Compensation Program for 2017 is the inclusion of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as an “on-table” injury for the flu shot. In broad terms, vaccine-related injuries and illnesses can be classified as either “on-table” or “off-table.” There are less hurdles to securing financial compensation when an injury or illness is “on-table” (i.e. it is specifically listed on the Vaccine Injury Table), so this change represents a major development for individuals diagnosed with GBS resulting from a flu shot.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of GBS following a flu shot should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Guillain-Barre Syndrome and its chronic variant, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), can have significant long-term effects, and prompt treatment has been shown to reduce the risk complications and relapse in some patients. Our firm has been successful in helping several clients secure compensation for flu shot-related GBS—even as an “off-table” injury.
Speak with National Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant
If you have been diagnosed with GBS or any other illness or injury following a vaccination and would like to speak with an attorney about filing a claim for compensation, contact the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC. With offices in Washington D.C., our firm represents individuals in VICP claims nationwide. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please call (202) 800-1711 or send us a message online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.
Categories: Department of Health and Human Services, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (Flu GBS), National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, vaccine injury
Leah Durant 
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