The federal government’s Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), which handles claims related to COVID-19 vaccine injuries and other emergency countermeasures, continues to draw attention over its low approval rate and limited benefits for successful applicants. According to recent data released by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the program approved four additional claims in its latest reporting period, including one death benefit. This marks only the third compensated death claim since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
New Federal Data Shows a Denial Rate Above 98%
As of June 2026, the CICP had received more than 14,000 claims. Of the 7,407 claims that had been adjudicated, 60 resulted in compensation while 7,298 were denied, representing a denial rate of more than 98%. The remaining claims are still pending review.
According to HRSA, 109 claims have been deemed eligible for compensation, although not all have resulted in payments due to documentation and reimbursement requirements.
What Is the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program?
The CICP was established under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act to provide compensation for individuals who experience serious injuries or death related to covered countermeasures during a declared public health emergency. In exchange, manufacturers of those products receive broad liability protections, leaving the CICP as the primary avenue for financial compensation.
Unlike the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), the CICP has stricter filing deadlines and narrower eligibility requirements. Claims generally must be filed within one year of the injury, and compensation is limited to unreimbursed medical expenses, a capped amount of lost wages, and death benefits. The program does not provide compensation for pain and suffering or attorney fees, and the decisions made are not subject to judicial review.
Why Many Claimants Receive Little or No Compensation
For many, the payouts represent only a fraction of the financial strain they face.
Attorney Ray Flores of the Children’s Health Defense, who represents two women injured by the COVID-19 vaccines, shared some insights on these ongoing challenges:
So long as the HHS Secretary’s COVID-19 PREP Act protections remain in place at least through the end of this decade, insultingly low payouts will remain the norm,” Flores said. “Currently, COVID-19-vaccine injuries are compensated as non-table injuries, so the burden is placed on the applicant to prove causation.
Dr. John Oertle: Patients Deserve Compassionate Care
America’s HealthShare’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Oertle shared similar sentiments regarding vaccine related injuries:
I believe individuals who experience vaccine injuries deserve compassionate, timely, and comprehensive medical care. Vaccine injuries have historically been considered rare, yet even the CDC admits that their systems underreport adverse events and vaccine injuries, making it difficult to fully understand their true incidence. In my own clinical experience, I have observed a notable change over the past two decades. Twenty years ago, it was uncommon to meet someone who believed they or a close family member had experienced a vaccine injury. Today, when I speak at conferences or meet with patients around the country, I routinely ask audiences whether they or someone they love has experienced a serious vaccine-related adverse event. It is increasingly common for hands to go up and for individuals to share deeply personal stories. Whether because of greater awareness, improved recognition, changes in vaccination practices, or other factors that warrant further scientific investigation, these experiences should not be dismissed.
Unfortunately, many individuals who suffer serious adverse events also face significant barriers to receiving assistance through existing federal compensation programs. Reports continue to show that the overwhelming majority of claims submitted to the federal Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) have been denied, leaving many injured individuals without meaningful financial support for their medical care.
Supporting Members Through Serious Medical Events
Our community was built on the principle that people should not be abandoned when they are facing a medical crisis. While America’s HealthShare does not share the cost of vaccines themselves, eligible medical expenses related to vaccine injuries are shareable within our community. We recognize that caring for these individuals should never be a political issue. Every person deserves access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare, including conventional medicine, integrative therapies, rehabilitation, and supportive care designed to maximize healing and quality of life.
America’s HealthShare is committed to standing alongside our members when they need us most. We believe healthcare should focus on supporting the patient, respecting informed consent and medical freedom, encouraging continued research into vaccine safety, and ensuring that those who experience rare but serious adverse medical events are never left to navigate their recovery alone.
For more information about how you can join the America’s HealthShare community, please check pricing online or give our Member Care team a call today at (580) AMERI-HS.
