LEGAL STATUS ALERT: On March 16, 2026, a federal court issued a stay in the case of AAP v. HHS, affecting several 2025-2026 administrative updates to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Some filing guidelines on this page may be in a state of Legal Pause. Consult a qualified attorney for specific filing advice during this litigation window. See: Litigation Database for further details.
Official data on petitions, compensation, and trends from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
This page presents publicly available statistical data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), which administers the VICP. All figures are drawn from official HRSA reports and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims public records.
Data Source: Data is updated periodically by HRSA. The most recent comprehensive data available covers petitions filed through 2023.
Since the VICP was established in 1988, over 26,000 petitions have been filed as of 2023.
Over $5.7 billion in compensation has been awarded to approximately 10,000 petitioners since the programme began.
Approximately 70% of adjudicated petitions result in compensation — either through concession by HHS or a ruling in the petitioner's favour.
The average compensation award is approximately $500,000, though awards vary widely based on injury severity, lost earnings, and future care needs.
Key trends in petition filing volumes:
Lower volumes as programme became established. Approximately 500–1,000 petitions filed annually.
Significant spike driven by the Omnibus Autism Proceedings — over 5,000 autism-related petitions filed between 2001 and 2009.
Stabilised at approximately 500–800 petitions per year following conclusion of Omnibus proceedings.
Increased volumes related to COVID-19 vaccine petitions, particularly shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) claims.
The Vaccine Injury Table injuries most frequently compensated:
SIRVA has become the most commonly compensated injury in recent years, accounting for over 50% of all compensated petitions in some years. Caused by incorrect injection technique rather than the vaccine itself.
Fainting following vaccination is a recognised Table injury. Injuries sustained in falls after vaccination are compensable.
GBS following influenza vaccination is a Table injury. Compensation is available when onset occurs within 3–42 days of vaccination.
Bowel obstruction following rotavirus vaccination in infants is a Table injury with a defined compensation-eligible window.
Severe allergic reaction within 4 hours of any covered vaccine is a Table injury eligible for compensation.
Based on HRSA public data (all years combined):
Influenza vaccine: Highest total petition volume due to annual administration to hundreds of millions of people.
DTaP/DT/Td/Tdap: High volume due to mandatory childhood schedule and adult boosters.
Hepatitis B: Significant petition history, particularly related to demyelinating conditions.
MMR: Notable petition history including the dismissed Omnibus autism claims.
COVID-19 vaccines: Growing petition volume since addition to VICP coverage in 2023.
Petitions may be dismissed for several reasons:
Statute of limitations: Filed outside the 36-month window
Insufficient medical evidence: Unable to establish injury or causation
Injury not covered: Vaccine or injury not on the Table or not meeting off-Table causation standard
Petitioner withdrawal: Voluntary dismissal by petitioner
Omnibus dismissals: Bulk dismissal of autism-related petitions following Special Master rulings (2009–2010)
HRSA. "Data & Statistics." hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation, updated 2023.
HRSA. "Monthly Statistics Report." hrsa.gov, 2023.
U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Public docket records. uscfc.uscourts.gov, 2023.
Mello MM et al. "The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program." Health Affairs, 2020.