Yes. Individuals thought to be injured by the meningococcal (conjugate and polysaccharide) vaccines may be eligible for compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) as of February 1, 2007. This coverage permits individuals to file a claim for compensation beginning on February 1, 2007. To be eligible for compensation, claims must be filed within one of the following periods: within 3 years after the first symptom of the vaccine injury; or within 2 years of the vaccine-related death and 4 years after the start of the first symptom of the vaccine-related injury from which the death occurred; or 2 years from the date the vaccine is covered for injuries or deaths that occurred up to 8 years before the date the vaccine is covered. The meningococcal (conjugate and polysaccharide) vaccine is covered by the VICP as of February 1, 2007 and claims have to be filed by February 2, 2009 for injuries or deaths that occurred on or after February 1, 1999 that do not qualify under the other filing periods. Although two years from the date of February 1, 2007, would be February 1, 2009, under the current Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims, the deadline under section 2116(b) of the PHS Act would be February 2, 2009, because February 1, 2009, falls on a Sunday.
This answer reflects the current thinking of the United States Department of Health and Human Services on the topics addressed. This answer does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind the Department or the public. The ultimate decision about the scope of the statutes authorizing the VICP is within the authority of the United States Court of Federal Claims, which is responsible for resolving claims for compensation under the VICP.
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