Immunizing the Immunizers: How COVID-19 Vaccine Injury Claims and the CICP Will Increase Anti-Vaccine Sentiment in the United States and How HRSA Can Prevent It

Kimberly K. Henrickson*

ABSTRACT

In the United States, COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers and distributors are shielded from liability by the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act, which dictates that claims of injury tied to the COVID-19 vaccines must go through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP). Little is known about the CICP, and it has a poor track record of compensating claimants. Vaccine injuries are extremely rare but occur in certain circumstances. In order to prevent an increase in anti-vaccine sentiment in the United States, the CICP should adopt certain aspects of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).