{"id":355804,"date":"2020-09-02T15:55:31","date_gmt":"2020-09-02T20:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/can-i-sue-vaccine-manufacturers.html"},"modified":"2026-08-18T07:23:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T12:23:00","slug":"can-i-sue-vaccine-manufacturers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/can-i-sue-vaccine-manufacturers.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Sue Vaccine Manufacturers?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Can I Sue Vaccine Manufacturers?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/kellie-pantekoek-esq\/\">Kellie Pantekoek, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/aviana-cooper-esq\/\">Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            August 18, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>You generally cannot sue vaccine manufacturers because federal law shields them from most injury lawsuits. But you may still seek compensation through programs like the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) for serious side effects from a vaccine. In limited cases\u2014such as improper manufacturing or inadequate warnings\u2014you may pursue a traditional product liability claim in civil court.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Vaccines have helped to eradicate diseases such as polio, tetanus, and smallpox. But vaccines are not risk-free. Everyone reacts differently to a vaccine. Some people sustain injuries or adverse reactions from vaccination.<\/p>\n<p>The federal government has two programs to compensate anyone who sustains vaccine-related injuries:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/vaccine-compensation\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vaccine Injury Compensation Program<\/a> (VICP)<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/cicp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program<\/a> (CICP)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This article explains both programs and your legal options if you or your child has been injured by a vaccine. <span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">You can also consult a <\/span><a style=\"font-size: revert;\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury lawyer in your area<\/a> for personalized legal advice. Vaccine injury claims can be complex and overwhelming, and an attorney can explain your options and recommend next steps to pursue fair compensation.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I Sue for Vaccine Injuries or Side Effects?<\/h2>\n<p>You cannot sue vaccine manufacturers for any harm that results from inoculation. When most drugs cause harm, pharmaceutical companies face <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/drugs-and-medical-devices.html\">product liability lawsuits<\/a>. But that isn&#8217;t the case with vaccines.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This does not mean there are no remedies in the event of injury or death. Compensation may be available under the federal VICP or CICP programs.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Can&#8217;t Drug Companies Be Sued for Vaccine Injuries?<\/h2>\n<p>Companies have liability protection so that vaccines will continue to be available to the public.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Drugmakers and federal government officials admit that although vaccines help keep the public safe, they can cause rare, serious, and sometimes fatal side effects. Plus,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/vaccination-laws.html\">mandatory vaccine laws<\/a> require people to accept those risks, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/vaccine-exemption-laws-by-state.html\">some exemptions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In the 1970s and &#8217;80s, drugmakers paid millions to plaintiffs in hundreds of vaccine-related injury lawsuits. The litigation was complex and expensive because it was challenging to show epidemiological cause and effect in these cases.<\/p>\n<p>Eventually, some drugmakers decided to stop making vaccines altogether. This shutdown drew alarm from public health officials. They worried about sustaining existing vaccines and developing new vaccines. Without them, the country could face a major health crisis.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In 1986, Congress passed a law protecting vaccine manufacturers from civil personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from vaccine injuries. That law is the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/99th-congress\/house-bill\/5546\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986<\/a>\u00a0(the Vaccine Act). This protection aims to enable vaccine research and manufacturing.<\/p>\n<h2>The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act<\/h2>\n<p>Congress stepped in with the Vaccine Act to ensure the injured would receive compensation. It also protects drugmakers from open liability. Yet, vaccine companies don&#8217;t have total legal immunity.<\/p>\n<p>In 2011, the United States Supreme Court\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-pharma-vaccines-lawsuit\/supreme-court-rules-for-vaccine-makers-on-lawsuits-idUSTRE71L41420110222\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clarified the type of lawsuits<\/a> the Vaccine Act protects. The Court ruled that the federal law protects drugmakers from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/product-liability-law.html\">design-defect claims<\/a> as long as the vaccine was properly manufactured and carried adequate warning labels.<\/p>\n<h2>The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program<\/h2>\n<p>When Congress granted drug companies immunity in regular Court with the Vaccine Act, it established the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The no-fault compensation program is its own &#8220;court,&#8221; created to compensate those who claim to have suffered vaccine side effects.<\/p>\n<p>Since its creation in the late 1980s, the program has paid\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/vaccine-compensation\/data\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">more than $5.6 billion<\/a> to those who claimed vaccines harmed them. Out of the 30,096 requests the program has received since its inception, it has compensated 13,360.<\/p>\n<h2>How Does the Vaccine Injury Compensation Act Work?<\/h2>\n<p>Because the program is\u00a0not fault-based, people claiming vaccine injuries do not have to prove that the vaccine caused the damage. Instead, they only have to show that the injury occurred within a specific time period after vaccination, depending on the vaccine and injury type.<\/p>\n<p>Some injuries must appear within 24 hours, while others can appear up to three years later. Any injuries appearing three years after inoculation would not be eligible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>After the death or discovery of the injury, you&#8217;ll also have a limited time to file for compensation. The time limit is generally two or three years under the <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-42-the-public-health-and-welfare\/42-usc-sect-300aa-16.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">vaccine injury limitations<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/us\/title-42-the-public-health-and-welfare\/42-usc-sect-300aa-14\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vaccine Injury Table<\/a>\u00a0covers possible vaccine-related injuries and side effects. The program must also cover the vaccine involved.<\/p>\n<p>All <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/children\/vaccines\/family-vaccines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">routinely administered vaccines<\/a> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Diphtheria and Tetanus vaccines (e.g., DTaP, DTP, DT, Td, or TT)<\/li>\n<li>Pertussis vaccines (e.g., DTP, DTaP, P, Tdap, DTP-Hib)<\/li>\n<li>Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccines (e.g., MMR, MR, M, R)<\/li>\n<li>Polio vaccines (e.g., OPV or IPV)<\/li>\n<li>Hepatitis A vaccines (e.g., HAV)<\/li>\n<li>Hepatitis B vaccines (e.g., HBV)<\/li>\n<li>Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines (e.g., Hib)<\/li>\n<li>Varicella vaccines (e.g., VZV) [herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine is not covered]<\/li>\n<li>Rotavirus vaccines (e.g., RV)<\/li>\n<li>Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (e.g., PCV)<\/li>\n<li>Seasonal flu vaccines (e.g., IIV3 standard dose, IIV3 high dose, IIV4, RIV3, LAIV3, LAIV4)<\/li>\n<li>Human Papillomavirus vaccines (e.g., HPV)<\/li>\n<li>Meningococcal vaccines (e.g., MCV4, MPSV4, recombinant)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Filing A Claim (VICP)<\/h2>\n<p>When parents believe a vaccine has injured their child, they can file a claim with the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The process typically follows the steps below.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Injured Party Files a Petition<\/h3>\n<p>The first step in filing a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program claim is petitioning the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This Court handles vaccine injury claims. The Court then notifies the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), which represents HHS in the vaccine court process.<\/p>\n<h3>2. HHS Reviews the Petition<\/h3>\n<p>Then, an HHS healthcare provider reviews the petition. The provider determines if the claim meets the medical standards for compensation and then gives a recommendation to the DOJ. The DOJ then submits the government&#8217;s position to the Court.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Special Master Makes a Decision<\/h3>\n<p>A &#8220;special master&#8221; is a person appointed by the Court. They decide whether to grant compensation after reviewing the DOJ&#8217;s report.<\/p>\n<p>The decision to award compensation doesn&#8217;t mean the HHS determined that the vaccine caused the injury. Instead, it could represent a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/resolution-before-trial-settlement.html\">negotiated settlement<\/a> to reach a quick resolution or avoid expensive litigation.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Injured Party Files an Appeal, Accepts the Decision, or Rejects the Decision<\/h3>\n<p>After the special master issues a decision, the claimant can accept the decision, decide to file an appeal, or reject the decision and file a claim in civil state court.<\/p>\n<p>A party can file a regular lawsuit in civil court against the vaccine manufacturer under certain circumstances. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The vaccine was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/defects-in-manufacturing.html\">not appropriately manufactured<\/a> (e.g., not following the FDA-approved design)<\/li>\n<li>The manufacturer failed to provide the proper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/defects-in-warnings.html\">directions and warnings<\/a> with the vaccine<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/negligence.html\">Negligence<\/a> \u2014 file a tort claim against the healthcare provider<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These types of cases involve product liability laws. Some products, including many pharmaceutical drugs, carry an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/what-is-an-unavoidably-unsafe-product.html\">inherent or unavoidable risk<\/a> for consumers. Companies may not be able to remove all potential dangers, but they must take reasonable precautions against them.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Pharmaceutical companies are familiar with personal injury claims and are armed with teams of attorneys to defend against them. You&#8217;ll need expert legal help on your side, too. Find an attorney near you.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP)<\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/cicp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CICP<\/a> differs from the VICP in one notable way: It addresses public health emergencies and national security threats. The government will support the development of countermeasures to address the threat in a public health emergency, such as the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Any vaccines, medications, or devices used to prevent or treat a public health emergency are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/vaccine-compensation\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">countermeasures<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The CICP and the\u00a0<a style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aspr.gov\/about\/law-policy-strategy\/amendments-public-health-service-act\/prep-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act<\/a>\u00a0(PREP Act) work together.\u00a0Under the PREP Act, the Secretary of Health can issue a declaration. This declaration shields drug manufacturers and healthcare providers from liability related to a countermeasure. The order will identify the public health emergency and the recommended countermeasures.<\/p>\n<p>The COVID-19 vaccine is the most recent countermeasure developed in response to a public health emergency. Drug manufacturers, like Pfizer and Moderna, developed COVID-19 vaccines in record time. Anyone who sustained a severe injury or died after the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine is eligible for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/cicp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compensation under the CICP<\/a>. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medical expenses<\/li>\n<li>Lost employment<\/li>\n<li>A death benefit for survivors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Injured parties have one year after receiving the vaccine to file a claim under the CICP.<\/p>\n<p>The injured person or their estate must file a Request for Benefits package. That package must include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/cicp\/faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request for Benefits form or a letter of intent<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Proof of vaccine administration<\/li>\n<li>Medical records<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/cicp\/criteria-demonstrate-covered-injury-occurred\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Proof of injury<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Who Can File a Vaccine Injury Petition?<\/h2>\n<p>Anyone who has sustained an injury can file a claim with either program. Parents or legal guardians can file on behalf of their children. Legal representatives can file on behalf of the disabled and deceased. If you have questions about the process or your situation, contact an experienced local\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/health-health-care-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">healthcare attorney<\/a>\u00a0or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">product liability lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How Can I Find a Lawyer for a Vaccine Claim?<\/h2>\n<p>An experienced attorney can review your situation and explain your legal options. FindLaw\u2019s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/products-liability-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">product liability attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Your search results will also link you to additional details about the attorneys\u2019 experience with dangerous drug and vaccine injury claims.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" 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          class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                      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rel=\"noopener\">Probate Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In most situations, you can\u2019t sue a vaccine company for a personal injury. But you may file a claim under federal vaccine injury programs. FindLaw explains.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":355799,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned"]},"categories":[2740],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-355804","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-healthcare"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355804","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=355804"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355804\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":402706,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355804\/revisions\/402706"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/355799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=355804"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=355804"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=355804"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=355804"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=355804"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}