Have there been changes to the Vaccine Injury Table?
Answer
On March 10, 1995, a modified Table (and the accompanying Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation) became effective for all claims filed on or after that date. Significant changes included the addition of chronic arthritis under vaccines containing rubella (e.g., MMR, MR, R vaccines), and the removal of Residual Seizure Disorder and Hypotonic-Hyporesponsive Episode (HHE) under the DTP vaccine. The definition of Encephalopathy was clarified in the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation.
On March 24, 1997, further modifications to the Table took effect that included the addition of brachial neuritis and removal of encephalopathy for tetanus-containing vaccines, addition of thrombocytopenia and vaccine-strain measles virus infection, removal of residual seizure disorder for measles-containing vaccines, and addition of vaccine-strain poliovirus infection for live poliovirus vaccine. Modifications also included the addition of three new vaccines: hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and varicella. Coverage for these three new vaccines went into effect on August 6, 1997. The Rule also provided for “automatic” addition of future vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine administration to children, although injuries for such vaccines will be specified only after additional rulemaking. All other Table changes became effective for all claims on or after March 24, 1997.
On October 22, 1998, rotavirus vaccine was added to the Table for coverage.
On August 26, 2002, a modified Table (and the accompanying Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation) became effective for all claims filed on or after that date. A second category of rotavirus (live, oral, rhesus-based) vaccine was added to the Table with intussusception listed as an injury with a time interval of onset of 0-30 days. A separate category was added for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines with no condition specified. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polysaccharide vaccines were removed from the Table. However, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccines remained on the Table with no condition specified. Under the Table’s Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation, early-onset Hib disease and residual seizure disorder were removed.
On December 1, 2004, hepatitis A vaccine was added to the Table for coverage.
On July 1, 2005, trivalent influenza vaccines were added to the Table for coverage.
On February 1, 2007, meningococcal and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines were added to the Table for coverage.
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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