Each year, we publish numerous articles on our Vaccine Blog discussing topics related to vaccine safety, vaccine injuries and vaccine injury claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). As we head into 2023, here is a look back at 10 of the topics we covered during 2022:
10 Key Topics We Covered on Our Vaccine Blog in 2022
1. Vaccine Safety
Many vaccine recipients (or prospective vaccine recipients) and parents understandably have questions about vaccine safety. Before the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend vaccines for routine administration in the United States, these vaccines must go through a rigorous testing and approval process. The CDC and FDA also continue to monitor approved vaccines for signs that they may present health risks (beyond the risk of mild side effects) on an ongoing basis.
Learn more: How Do the CDC and FDA Seek to Ensure Vaccine Safety?
2. Prevalence of Vaccine-Related Injuries and Illnesses
Even though government approval signifies that a vaccine is generally safe for most recipients, all CDC and FDA-approved vaccines still present certain risks for injuries and illnesses. In terms of percentages, these risks are extremely small. However, vaccine-related injuries and illnesses are still prevalent enough that hundreds of people secure compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) each year.
Learn more: How Common are Vaccine-Related Injuries and Illnesses?
3. “Covered Vaccines” Under the VICP
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is a federal government program that provides compensation to eligible individuals and families who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. Specifically, the VICP covers injuries and illnesses linked to “covered vaccines,” which are those listed on the Vaccine Injury Table maintained by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Learn more: Which Vaccines are Covered Under the VICP?
4. Eligibility Under the VICP
Receiving a “covered vaccine” is not the only eligibility requirement under the VICP. Individuals and families seeking financial compensation must meet certain other requirements as well. If a claimant meets these requirements—and if a claimant is able to prove that he or she meets these requirements—then the claimant should be able to recover financial compensation under the program.
Learn more: 10 Questions to Determine if You Have a Vaccine Injury Claim
5. Flu Shot Injuries and Illnesses
According to the HRSA’s data, flu shot injuries and illnesses are by far the most common vaccine-related medical conditions. This makes sense, as the flu shot is also the most common vaccine administered in the United States. In 2022, we published several articles discussing the injury and illness risks associated with the annual flu shot.
Learn more:
10 Common Flu Shot Injuries and Illnesses
When Pain After a Flu Shot Doesn’t Go Away
Is the Flu Vaccine to Blame for Your GBS Diagnosis?
10 Important Facts about Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and the Flu Shot
6. Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
In 2022, more than six out of every seven VICP claims we successfully resolved for our clients involved shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). These vaccine injuries can take many forms, and they can also have a variety of long-term effects. Since SIRVA result from vaccine administration errors rather than adverse reactions to vaccine ingredients, they are a risk associated with all CDC-approved vaccinations.
Learn more: 10 Important Facts about Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration
7. Bell’s Palsy
The influenza, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningitis vaccines are known to cause Bell’s palsy in a small percentage of cases. Like many other vaccine-related medical conditions, Bell’s palsy can have serious and long-term effects for some vaccine recipients. As awareness of the link between vaccination and Bell’s palsy continues to grow, we expect to see more VICP claims involving this neurological disorder.
Learn more: When Can You File a Vaccine Injury Claim for Bell’s Palsy?
8. Important Information About the VICP
Before you file a claim under the VICP, it is important to make sure that you have all of the information you need to prepare your petition and prove your legal rights. To date, less than half of all claims filed under the VICP have resulted in settlements or awards. While the VICP pays compensation on a “no-fault” basis (meaning that you do not need evidence of fault to receive payment), there are still several issues that can (and do) result in claims being denied.
Learn more: What the Government Wants Vaccine Recipients to Know About the VICP
9. What Does a Vaccine Lawyer Do?
When you have a VICP claim, it is important to have experienced legal representation (and, as the HRSA notes, “most people hire a lawyer”). There are several ways a vaccine lawyer can help you if you have a VICP claim—from helping you avoid costly mistakes to taking key steps on your behalf.
Learn more: What Does a Vaccine Lawyer Do?
10. Reasons to Talk to a Vaccine Lawyer
Even if you are not sure whether you have a VICP claim, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a vaccine-related injury or illness. From the financial and non-financial costs of vaccine injuries to the fact that you can hire a lawyer at no cost, there are several reasons why it makes sense to ensure that you are making informed decisions.
Learn more: 10 Reasons to Talk to a Lawyer if You Have Concerns About a Vaccine Injury
Do You Have a Vaccine Injury Claim? Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a vaccine injury, we strongly encourage you to learn about your legal rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To discuss filing a vaccine injury claim with attorney Leah V. Durant in confidence, call us at 202-800-1711 or request a free consultation 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: Vaccine Injury Claim
Leah Durant 
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