Compensation proposed for smallpox vaccine injuries

The fund, proposed by the Bush administration, would be retroactive to those already vaccinated.

By Susan Landers, AMNews staff. March 24/31, 2003.

Washington -- The Bush administration on March 6 proposed creation of a compensation program to provide benefits to doctors and other health care workers who are injured as a result of receiving the smallpox vaccine.

The vaccine's sometimes dangerous side effects are well-known and had prompted many groups to urge the Bush administration to develop a compensation program for those injured by the vaccine.

It is now up to Congress to approve the plan.

The plan includes elements similar to the benefits package available to police officers and firefighters under the Public Safety Officers Benefit program. The package would be administered by the Dept. of Health and Human Services and be retroactive to cover those already vaccinated. It would provide $262,100 for death or permanent and total disability caused by the vaccine. First responders who are already covered under the safety officers program would not receive this benefit.

HHS would also compensate individuals for two-thirds of lost wages after the fifth day of absence from work, up to a maximum of $50,000. These funds would be secondary to any workers' compensation or disability insurance benefits that might be available. In addition, those injured would be compensated for medical expenses, other than for minor injuries, not covered by health insurance. HHS would also compensate those who contract vaccinia from vaccinated individuals.