Still Have Questions?

• What if I’m not sure whether I got a Tdap or Dtap shot?

  People often don’t remember the specific vaccine given—especially during ER visits or wound care. Whether it was Tdap, Dtap, Td, or a tetanus-only dose, your medical records will show the product administered. A lawyer can review those records to confirm if it’s a VICP-covered vaccine. This is especially important since Td vaccines are often used interchangeably, and additional booster doses can increase the risk of injury in sensitive patients.

• My child had a fever and swelling after a Dtap dose—can I still file?

  Yes, especially if your child required medical treatment or symptoms lasted beyond a day or two. In the children program schedule, Dtap is given as early as 2 months, so injuries often go unreported. Issues like high fever, persistent swelling, or febrile seizures following a Dtap dose may qualify—especially if symptoms affected daily activity or needed follow-up care. An attorney can determine if it meets the diphtheria vaccination timeline and criteria.

• How does diphtheria work in these combination vaccines?

  The diphtheria component in both Tdap and Dtap uses an inactivated toxin—called diphtheria toxoid—to train the body’s immune systems to fight future exposure. It’s a critical ingredient in stopping the spread of this bacterial illness, which can be deadly without treatment. In rare cases, however, the body’s response to the vaccine may trigger inflammation, nerve issues, or a neurological disorder. Knowing how diphtheria works in the vaccine helps explain why reactions—though extremely rare—can occur.

• How does the government determine if I qualify for compensation?

  A court-appointed Special Master at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims reviews your case. They look at your medical records, timelines, and symptom patterns to decide if the vaccine likely caused your condition. Since millions of doses are administered every year, the government uses this system to separate expected side effects from true injuries. If the evidence supports a link, they’ll award compensation—even if your insurance provider didn’t cover treatment.

• What does “Tdap stands for” and why does that matter in a claim?

  Tdap stands for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis—a version of the pertussis vaccine with fewer side effects than older formulas. Understanding this matters because the diphtheria tetanus and pertussis components are the reason some people experience delayed or systemic reactions. These vaccines are part of the country’s disease control strategy, helping vaccines protect against outbreaks of highly contagious illnesses. But if you were injured by one, the VICP gives you a legal path to compensation.