The federal program providing compensation for serious injuries from covered countermeasures during public health emergencies, including COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
A federal compensation program designed to provide benefits for serious injuries from medical countermeasures during declared public health emergencies
The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) is a federal program that may provide benefits for eligible individuals who sustain a serious physical injury or die as a direct result of the administration or use of a covered countermeasure.
Established in 2010 under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act, the CICP serves as the exclusive remedy for claims involving covered countermeasures during a declared public health emergency.
| Feature | CICP | VICP |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 2010 | 1988 |
| Filing Deadline | 1 year | 3 years |
| Legal Process | Administrative | Federal Court |
| Attorney Fees | Not covered | Program pays |
| Pain & Suffering | Not available | Up to $250,000 |
| Covers | Emergency countermeasures | Routine vaccines |
The CICP has approved less than 1% of filed claims, making it significantly more difficult to receive compensation compared to the VICP program.
Claims must be filed within one year of receiving the countermeasure or of the manifestation of the injury, with very limited exceptions.
Unlike VICP, the CICP does not provide compensation for pain and suffering, and does not cover attorney fees or costs.
Medical countermeasures covered under declared public health emergencies and the conditions for CICP eligibility
The majority of CICP claims relate to COVID-19 countermeasures administered during the ongoing public health emergency declared in January 2020.
The first major use of CICP covered H1N1 influenza vaccines and antivirals during the 2009 pandemic declaration.
Following the 2001 anthrax attacks, certain anthrax countermeasures were covered under emergency declarations.
Injury occurred during a declared public health emergency
Product must be specifically covered under the PREP Act declaration
Serious physical injury requiring hospitalization or resulting in significant disability
Direct causal relationship between countermeasure and injury must be established
Step-by-step guidance for filing a claim with the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program
You must file your CICP claim within one year of receiving the countermeasure or the date the injury manifested.
Unlike VICP (3 years), CICP has a strict 1-year filing deadline with very limited exceptions.
Collect all medical records, vaccination cards, and documentation related to your injury and the countermeasure received.
Fill out the official CICP Request for Benefits form with detailed information about your injury and the countermeasure received.
The request form is available on the HRSA website and must be completed in detail.
Submit your completed form and supporting documentation to HRSA via mail or email before the one-year deadline.
HRSA CICP
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
HRSA will review your claim and may request additional information. The review process can take several months to complete.
HRSA will notify you of their decision and any additional requirements.
Unlike VICP, the CICP does not provide or pay for legal representation. You must file and pursue your claim without attorney assistance at your own expense.
CICP decisions have limited appeal options compared to VICP. Administrative review is available but with restricted grounds for appeal.
Access comprehensive resources, official contacts, and important links for the CICP program
For document submission
HRSA CICPDownload the official CICP Request for Benefits form and instructions for filing.
Download FormComprehensive information about CICP, eligibility requirements, and the claims process.
Official SiteView the latest statistics on CICP claims filed, reviewed, and compensated.
View DataComplete list of countermeasures covered under current and past public health emergency declarations.
View ListUnderstanding the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act that authorizes the CICP.
Learn MoreAcademic and legal analysis of CICP decisions, challenges, and comparisons with other compensation programs.
Legal History