The government is considering moving COVID‑9 vaccine injury claims from the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Data from the U. S. Health Resources and Services Administration as of April 1, 2026, shows several ways the shift could happen. It might cover future injuries only, transfer claims already in process, revive cases that were denied, or allow retroactive eligibility. Each option changes how people can get help and how much money the programs will need.
The new program works mostly through settlements. Its trust fund pays for lawyers, resolves uncertainty, and issues awards. When settlements happen off the formal table, people start to expect compensation even if it isn’t guaranteed. Raw numbers of claims can be mistaken