Scared About the COVID Vaccine?

If you are concerned or scared about the COVID vaccine, you are not alone. There is a lot of information out there and it is hard to understand. We’ve put together a little bit of information to help people understand their rights as they apply to the COVID vaccine.

You’re Not Alone

The first thing to remember is you are not alone. If you are scared or unsure about getting a COVID vaccination, you are not alone. Many people are unsure about the new vaccines. It is important to remember it is YOUR decision to get vaccinated or not. Don’t let others pressure you into a decision if you are not comfortable.

Make An Informed Decision

The best way to understand if you should get vaccinated against COVID is to understand all the information. Conduct your own research of trusted sources. The CDC and WHO have some important information about COVID and the vaccines to protect people against infection.

There are many sources of “information” on the internet, but not all of them are true or trustworthy. Be sure you only read reliable information and avoid websites or news sources you have never heard of.

Know Which Vaccine Is Available

To make an informed decision about your healthcare, know which vaccine you might get. There are a handful of vaccines available, but most vaccination sites offer one specific vaccine. If you plan to get the vaccine, make sure you know which COVID vaccine you could receive.

Understand The Benefits of the Vaccine

Are there benefits to receiving the COVID vaccine? COVID immunity is a benefit. If it helps, make a list of the possible risks and benefits. Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Understand The Risks of the Vaccine

You don’t have to be scared about the COVID vaccine if you understand the risks. The most important part of making an informed decision about your health is to understand all the risks involved. In this situation, you should understand the risks of COVID-19 and the risks of the vaccines.

Are You Covered?

If you’re scared about the COVID vaccine, it is probably related to health and financial risks. What happens if you have a permanent injury? Are you covered? Who pays for medical treatment or your inability to work?

Because the COVID vaccine is a “critical medical supply” manufacturers have immunity from injury claims until at least 2024. The only exception is “willful misconduct.” Additionally, the FDA and employers that require the vaccine as a condition of employment are also immune. But, injured people can seek financial recovery through an HRSA program.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

If the COVID vaccine is a condition of employment, injured employees may be eligible for compensation under workers’ comp. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your options in a free consultation.

Health Resources & Services Administration

According to the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) there is coverage available for anyone injured by a COVID vaccine. There is a lot of information available on their website. Anyone injured by a COVID vaccine can file a claim for CICP benefits.

Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program

The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) offers compensation for people injured by the COVID vaccine. This program is similar to the VICP program offered for flu vaccine injuries.

Side Effect or Permanent Injury?

There is a distinct difference between a side-effect and an injury. When making a claim through the CICP, people will need to prove a permanent injury.

Side Effect – A side effect can range from mild to severe, or even life-threatening. Side effects are well-documented and often included in medication packaging, commercials, and advertisements.
Permanent Injury – under CICP, people must prove they have a covered injury. Additionally, they must prove the injury is a direct result of the vaccine.

Deadline To File A CICP Claim

If you have an injury from the COVID vaccine, you have 1 year to file a claim. You don’t need a lawyer to file a claim and legal fees are not reimbursed through the CICP.

Questions About CICP

The HRSA website has an FAQ for any questions you might have about compensation for COVID vaccine injuries. More information about filing a CICP claim is available on the HRSA website.