Update on vaccine liability in the United States: presentation at the National Vaccine Program Office Workshop on strengthening the supply of routinely recommended vaccines in the United States, 12 February 2002.

Two decades ago, a liability crisis brought on by concerns about the safety of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine led to supply shortages and calls for rationing of the vaccine. Vaccine prices skyrocketed, and research on new products was threatened. In response, Congress created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, which is tort reform legislation designed to compensate individuals quickly, easily, and generously. Since 1988, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has stabilized the marketplace, as evidenced by high immunization rates, stable pricing, and an increasing number of vaccine candidates in development. Although current vaccine shortages do not appear to be related to issues of liability, a new wave of tort litigation alleging that some vaccines cause autism has led to speculation that history could repeat itself.