HealthCardiovascular and respiratory healthCivil actions and liabilityImmunology and vaccinationInfectious and parasitic diseasesManufacturing
Why This Matters
This bill removes federal legal protections that prevent COVID-19 vaccine makers from being sued for injuries. It allows people to bring lawsuits even if they already used federal compensation programs.
Who this affects
Vaccine manufacturers · People who received COVID-19 vaccines
What changes is this bill making?
1No federal law, including parts of the Public Health Service Act, can grant immunity or limit liability for manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines for harms from their use or administration
2Individuals can still seek benefits through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) or the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
3People are allowed to file a civil lawsuit even if they have received or sought compensation through CICP or VICP
4Defines a COVID-19 vaccine as any Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed or authorized vaccine that prevents or reduces harm from COVID-19 or its transmission
5The law applies retroactively to vaccines given before, on, or after the date it becomes effective
