Any death from a vaccine is awarded the highest amount in compensation. Some injuries may be compensated without proof that the vaccine was at fault. These are spelled out in a vaccine injury table. Most injuries must occur within hours or days of a vaccine to be considered a result of the shot. The DTP shot is a combination inoculation against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
Diphtheria is an infection of the throat, mouth and nose.
It's extremely rare today, but highly contagious. The infection causes a sore throat and cough. Sometimes a fine web of gray membrane forms over the tonsils, blocking the windpipe and suffocating the child. If not promptly treated, diphtheria can also lead to pneumonia, heart failure, and paralysis. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is lifethreatening, especially in children under 1 year.