In the early 1980s, serious side effects from the DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) were reported. This caused many parents and people to question the safety of the vaccine. Lawsuits were filed against vaccine manufacturers, doctors, and nurses. Some vaccine companies decided to stop making vaccines. This created vaccine shortages and threatened public health.
The potential crisis led Congress to enact a new law, the Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. Under this law, the VICP was created to compensate victims of childhood vaccine injuries. The VICP prevents civil lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The program directs that all claims for vaccine injuries or illnesses be filed with the VICP instead.