Common Questions on Vaccine Injury

Despite precautions and testing, some children and adults suffer lifelong medical problems, or have died, as a result of being vaccinated.

In 1986, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was developed to safeguard vaccine supply (manufacturers) and to compensate those who have developed injuries from vaccination.[*]

So far this year (2013), the amount paid out by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund is 224 million dollars.[*]

Because vaccine injuries, disabilities and deaths are real, it is critically important that you take the time needed to gather information and make a confident, educated decision.

Below are some common questions regarding vaccine injury and compensation:

What type of injuries are compensated by the VICP?

To qualify for a claim, the injury must result in at least one out of the four following damages:

-Last for more than six months (post vaccination)

-Resulted in a hospital stay

-Resulted surgery

-Resulted in death

 

I would suggest checking out this Vaccine Injury Table which lists conditions that are presumed to be caused by vaccines. It also lists time cut-offs which will help determine if the injury is causal.

These conditions are otherwise known as ‘table injuries’ which are known, compensated injuries due to adverse reactions from vaccination.

It is important to note that compensation has been made for many vaccine-related injuries that are not listed on the injury table.

If your injury is not on the Table or if it did not occur within the time period listed, then you are simply required to prove that the vaccine caused the condition. Such proof is based on medical records or opinion, which may include expert witness testimony.

 

Who files the claim?

If you believe you have a claim, you should file a report (VAERS) and contact a lawyer.  The National Vaccine Information Center maintains a list of attorneys who deal specifically with VICP claims.  You can find their list of attorneys here on the NVIC website.

You do not need to be a doctor or a citizen of the US to file a claim.

 

Are all vaccines covered by the VICP?

Although most vaccines recommended for children are covered, not all are eligible for compensation.

Check out this list of the which vaccines are covered on the VICP website.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Depending on the adverse event that took place, the amount of time you have to file a claim changes.

For example, if the vaccine injury results in death – you have 2 years to file a claim.

If you (or your child) is injured in any other way other than death, you have 3 years from the onset of the first symptom.

Click here to read more about the deadlines regarding vaccine-injury claims.

 

Is autism considered a vaccine-related adverse event?

No and yes.

The official statement provided by Health and Human Services asserts that:

“HHS has never concluded in any case that autism was caused by vaccination”

That’s all fine-and -dandy, however, numerous cases that have been rewarded on the ground of vaccine-induced encephalopathy (brain disease) has associated autism spectrum disorder.

Two compensated examples from this year alone:

10 yr old Ryan Mojabi  was awarded compensation from neuroimmunologically mediated dysfunctions in the form of asthma and ASD[*]

15 month old Emily Moller was awarded compensation on the ground of her injury listed as “encephalopathy characterized by speech delay and probable global developmental delay” (seizure disorder and PDD-NOS, a form of ASD). [*] 

 

More damning to the case against the HHS state is an article published in 2011 from the Pace Environment Law Review (PELR), where it was found that at least 83 cases of vaccine injuries compensated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) involve acknowledged brain damage that included autism.

In 47% of the cases reviewed (39 out of the 83), there is confirmation of autism or autism spectrum disorder beyond parental report.[*]

The published review illustrates that the VICP has been compensating cases of vaccine-induced brain damage associated with autism for more than twenty years. 

How much is awarded and how long will it take?

It takes on average 2-3 years to work through the process.[*]

There is no limitation on the amount of an award in a vaccine-related injury; however, the law does contain certain restrictions. For example, the compensation for vaccine-related death is limited to $250,000.[*]

Awards range from $80,000 to $5.9 million – with the average amount awarded to individuals with an injury at approximately $800,000.00.[*]

Where does the money come from?

Since 1988, when the National Childhood Vaccine injury Act was enacted, a “no-fault” system was created to compensate the individuals that have been harmed by the administration of a vaccine.

The manufacturer does not at any time pay for any injuries caused by their vaccines unless the injured person rejects their awarded claim (money) by the court and decides to sue a manufacturer (I am unaware of any documented case of this happening since 1988).[*]

All money awarded is paid from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund which is funded from a tax of $0.75 on every dose of vaccine that is purchased (via your insurance premiums or direct purchase of vaccines).[*]

The Department of Treasury collects the taxes and manages the Fund’s investments.  Below are some documents you can review to learn more about how the money has been allocated and how much has been spent.

 

Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund Monthly Reports

 

HRSA – Statistic Reports

 

***

 

Vaccines carry with them risk of sickness, injury and death. To bring attention to that fact and the growing crisis of the injured, October is designated Vaccine Injury Awareness Month.

How can we help those who have been injured?

One of the ways we can assist these families is by spreading the word that vaccine injuries are real and they are more common than we are led to believe.

If you are on facebook or twitter, please use the image below as your profile image for the month of October. Please spread the word amongst your own networks.

Bring the issue of vaccine injuries out into the public’s eye!

 

 

 

More information can be found at the VICP website which is maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

 

A Moth to the Flame - Blinded by the Light

This space has been shaped and transformed by each reader that has touched my life.

In the last 6 years writing and researching, I have yet to clarify the title, Blinded by the Light.

So with that, here is a restricted piece of me, shared and exposed to you.

The Light

The parable of the Moth

 

It is not yet fully understood why moths are attracted to artificial light sources, but there is no denying that moths will float and cluster to a light source without delay once it is presented to them.

 

As a caterpillar, a moth will spend the majority its life devouring it’s sustaining source of life - foliage and leaves.

 

Considered an invasive insect, the caterpillar will eventually shed it’s skin for the last time revealing it’s chrysalis. While inside, the body will break down into imaginal cells which will re-place themselves back into a new shape.

 

When the moth is ready to emerge, the body will work at pulling itself through a small hole, each early attempt will result in failure – progressing ever so slowly, basically unperceivable.

 

Yet, in this delicate state -  if the moth is assisted in any way, you will find the moth to be so badly deformed that it cannot fly and will eventually die shortly after.

 

As we see, this struggle shapes the moth – giving form to the body, forcing the fluid into the wings.

 

It has been theorized that, in fact, moths are not attracted to the artificial light itself. Rather, the moths (like all sighted creatures) see a ‘Mach band’ which is the region surrounding a bright light source that appears darker than the surrounding environment with the aspiration of seeking refuge from predators of the night.

 
Oblivious and unaware to their actual reality, the moth is distracted and disoriented by the artificial light. Feeling secure and protected, the moth seeks sanctuary in the illusion of darkness cast by the brightly lit false light.
 

The Lesson

 

Excerpt from Biocentrism (written by Dr. Robert Lanza, the Chief Scientific Officer at Advanced Cell Technology):

“While I was sitting one night with a poet friend watching a great opera performed in a tent under arc lights, the poet took my arm and pointed silently. Far up, blundering out of the night, a huge Cecropia moth swept past from light to light over the posturings of the actors. ‘He doesn’t know,’ my friend whispered excitedly. ‘He’s passing through an alien universe brightly lit but invisible to him. He’s in another play; he doesn’t see us. He doesn’t know. Maybe it’s happening right now to us.”

 

Are we similar to the huge Cecropia moth? Blundering on in the darkness, oblivious to the Light within us and emanating from all things around us?  

 

Like the caterpillar, we are each profoundly blessed with a transformation onto this plane of existence. We struggle, strive – thrive and become stronger through our experience of life. And like the moth, all the while, artificial light beckons us during our journey – promising false security.

 

The genuine Light is within you, within us.

 

We all return to each other in the end…or rather, what our human comprehension recognizes as the end. Your true Home, my true Home.

We carry a piece of our Home within us – I urge you to recognize and honor the Oneness with everyone and everything you experience today.

 

Blinded by the Light - by Amanda Kulick

 

I traded my Home for wings,

I traded my security to fly.

Now I blunder in the in the darkness.

 

Blinded by the light,

all that I witness outside is false.

For the true illuminating Light is within.

 

No need to pursue Truth,

with fragile wings and courageous flight.

The rhythm of my heart bursts with It.

 

Each pulse comforting me:

I left Home,  

but Home never left me.

 

 

 

 

Common Reactions from a Crunchy Mama - GIFs style

Here are some common reactions from someone living and parenting in a more natural approach… and although these pictures below are used in a comical manner, there is an underlying genuine meaning to this post. 

I use the word ‘reaction’ purposefully in the title because reacting is something we should do our best at preventing - at least I know I do, for my own sanity.

I get it - I know that it is not only challenging to be a parent, but place that in combination with living and embracing lifestyle choices that are not yet common in mainstream parenting – you can find yourself being confronted on a daily basis.

If we are able to interrupt our REACTION and instead CHOOSE how we RESPOND, then the situations that tend to harm others (physically, mentally and emotionally) can be reduced.

When someone says and does something that we might not necessarily choose for ourselves/children, be confident in your own choice – so much so, that you do not feel threatened by the choices made by others.

As you go through this day, make a deal with yourself to observe how you impact others!

 ****

‘I turned out just fine’ from ________ (insert any nonsensical societal/medical tradition)

When I see a complete stranger wearing an Ergo carrier.

When someone tells me co-sleeping will result in a clingy kid that will never leave my bed 

When I find another crunchy mama that lives in my neighborhood 

My reaction to the ever so common argument: “Formula is just as good as breast milk.”

People who say that organic, whole food isn’t any better then conventional pesticide, GMO crap.

The feeling I get as soon as I comment on a circumcision debate in online forum 

When my daughter picks up anything at the store, looks at the ingredients and puts it back on the shelf

When I hear someone is planning on trying for an au natural birth

Every time I go to a natural food/health store

that one time, I watch that one documentary that made me cry like a baby. (who I am kidding, every documentary I cry like a baby)

Being told your kids need to be vaccinated to go to school

And then finding a doctor that supports your choice to file a vaccine exemption 

Ways My Child Is Different Than Your Dog

 

There are many similarities between the relationship and bond formed between pet owners and their pets – and those raising (human) children.

A pet owner will make many sacrifices and investments to provide a loving and suitable home for their family pet. In return, the bond of unconditional love, comfort and enjoyment a pet provides is immeasurable. The love shared between them is lasting and profound.

I have many people in my life experiencing this intense love with their animals, those of which that have not yet had children, are unable to have children or simply opt-out of having children all together.

I honor and embrace this love – no matter what the species.

This bond between owner and animal is so strong, you may eventually come across the comparison that a person’s dog or cat is just like having a child.

In fact, you may come across people who insist raising their dog is just like raising a child.

***

There is no doubt that animals generate the type of Love that is universal and that can be deeply felt by everyone regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or handicap.

With that being said, although similarities do exist, raising a dog/cat is not remotely the same as raising a child.

Parental Development Caused and Reciprocated By Kids (Not Dogs or Cats)

Growing and changing over the course of their child’s lives, parents experience complexity and diversity in relation to their growing child. As a child grows and develops, so does the parent – many of which transcends the owner/pet connection.

Some of the points below reference ‘The Six Stages of Parenthood’ by researcher Ellen Galinsky. [*][*]

Imagery of Future

Even before you hold a child in your arms, the journey for the parent begins.

A parent begins to create images and ideas in their mind of what lies ahead for both their child and themselves.

As time goes on and the parent (and child) develops, these images are modified and transformed – some may encompass siblings and even grandchildren.

When my daughter was an infant, I would imagine what her voice would sound like when she got old enough to talk and say my name, “Momma”. Over time, I started to generate ideas of who her best friend would be or what high school she would want to go to.

Creating these images of a child stimulate the parent to investigate their own values and they eventually must learn to respect their partner’s values and dreams for the child they share.

Imagery does not make the owner/pet bond less meaningful – it simply distinguishes it from raising a child.

Attachment, Autonomy and Priorities

There is no doubt that a bond between human owner and animal can be powerful and intense. I have experienced it myself.

However, another key distinction arises with children: Like a dog or a cat, parents create the bond of attachment through holding, touching and caring for their child – however, with a child a distinct variety of issues and questions arise regarding attachment, autonomy (both for the parent and the child) and priorities.

Parents are faced with meeting the needs of their child and the need to balance responsibilities to their spouse, friends and career. Child care and work schedules must be flexible as well.

Consider relinquishing the desire to relocate closer to family because you value raising your children in an area with a better school system  - - or picking up a second job (giving up time spent with your spouse and family) to pay for private school or expensive, enrichment classes (ex. dance, musical instrument).

Attachment arises between both owner/animal and parent/child – however, the complexities and intricacies of the issues raised over time with children are dissimilar then raising an animal.

Authority and Freedom

In some cases, parents begin to generate ideas of what type of disciplinarian they might be before a child is even born.

“I swear I’ll never be like my mother, I swear I’ll never be like my mother, I swear I’ll never be like my mother.”

No matter what underlying issues a parent holds prior to kids, parents soon begin to understand and respect that their child is not an extension of themselves, rather they must guide, nurture and discipline their child’s unique persona.

Eventually, the unique dilemma of allowing enough freedom for a child to grow and develop arises – at the same time, communicating and establish limits (which also allows for further personal development, both parental and for the child).

This particular point is compelling when distinguishing between the type of relationship you have between a child and an animal.

True, you must train and discipline an animal, however, as a parent, one of the most difficult aspects is letting a child experience disappointments and failures – a parent understands that they must endure their pain of letting a child go because it is for their benefit in the end.

Parental Values and Outside Influences

Another intricate layer that exists when raising a child: As the parent recognizes that he/she is not the only core influence in their child’s life, they must decide and learn how they will translate their beliefs and values to their child (especially once their child starts learning new reasoning skills).

As a child grows, a parent realizes that “my child is not me”. This is essential in distinguishing between an animal and a child because a parent must learn to illustrate their beliefs while at the same time respecting a child’s birthright in choosing their own beliefs.

Parents must learn how to answer a child’s questions (ex. “what does ‘abortion’ mean?”, “why do people choose to be vegetarian?”, “what happens after we die?”) while promoting specific values and knowledge.

As children grow, a parent may find themselves playing damage-control as outside sources (teachers, friends, media) begin to influence their children in more profound ways.

Ultimately, parents are motivated to continually evaluate their beliefs and values – as the child grows, they must learn to differentiate their own personal perspective and allow their child to develop their own.

This particular facet is missing in the owner/animal model.

Inter-dependence and Independence  

Preferences in clothing, behavior toward the opposite sex, language, hairstyle, physical growth – the list could literally go on forever. Children are forever growing, changing, and testing independence while, at the same time, demanding familiarity and intimacy.

To provide the most effective guidance and communication in times of growth and change, parents must have a superior understanding of themselves.

The relationship with a child is continually re-defined, swinging back and forth between closeness and distance which may leave a parent’s head spinning like a top.

Animals are quite different in this respect.

Departure

Another key discernment among animals and children: the child eventually grows up and leaves home.

Eventually, after all of the investment (monetary, emotionally, spiritually) the child leaves the parent.  

Parents may worry and wonder all sorts concerns: how far away the child might go or how often they will be together. New habits and traditions may be created merely in search for new ways to stay close as a family.

The complexity deepens as a parent must learn to accept the separateness, eventually redefining their own identity without their children present in their everyday life.

Conclusion

Animals provide immeasurable comfort, love and enjoyment to their owners.

To those families that do not have children, animals are a pleasant joy that offers profound enrichment for many years.

However, as mentioned above, children largely differ from pets.

Ultimately, parenting a child is a process – one that promotes and supports the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of a child and the parent.