The following is from Children’s Health Defense.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is proposing a major change to the federal vaccine injury compensation system — one that could open the door for families of children with autism-related symptoms to receive payouts from the government.

The plan would expand the list of recognized injuries under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) to include symptoms often experienced by people with autism. While autism itself would not be listed as a compensable condition, specific neurological symptoms associated with the disorder could become eligible.

Watchdog experts say the change would acknowledge the reality that certain vaccine-related injuries can trigger conditions that share characteristics with autism — something critics of the current system say has been ignored for too long.

“Autism is not a medical injury from vaccines. Encephalopathy, encephalitis and other medical conditions that lead to autism are injuries.”
— Wayne Rohde, Vaccine Injury Compensation Expert and Author

The VICP was established in the 1980s after a wave of lawsuits against vaccine makers led to product shortages and public panic. The program shields vaccine manufacturers from legal liability by compensating individuals who suffer injuries from vaccines routinely given to children and pregnant women.

But critics, including Kennedy, say the current system is outdated and overly narrow.

“This shift towards symptom-based compensation will almost certainly provide redress and a form of economic justice to families whose lives are forever changed by neurodevelopmental disorders induced by vaccines.”
— James Lyons-Weiler, Ph.D., Research Scientist and Author

Kennedy has long argued that the government must do more to support families impacted by rising autism rates. The proposed update to VICP comes on the heels of a joint announcement by Kennedy, President Donald Trump, and public health officials that the Dept. of Health and Human Services will study all possible causes of autism — including vaccines.

“Whether they like it or not, all vaccine manufacturers and all members of public health institutions must hear the message loud and clear from HHS — the era of vaccine risk, injury and death denialism is over.”
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The VICP has already paid out over $5 billion in claims since it began in 1988, but many say that’s just a fraction of what’s truly owed. As of June, the program had a backlog of more than 6,000 cases. Reforms under discussion include increasing the $0.75-per-vaccine tax that funds the program and expanding the staff responsible for handling claims.

Whether the proposed changes succeed or not, Kennedy’s plan marks a clear shift in federal policy — one that acknowledges what many families have claimed for decades and what officials in both parties now say deserves closer scrutiny.

For more information, read the full article here.