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Injury Guide

Anaphylaxis

A severe, rapid allergic reaction involving more than one body system. It is on the Table for many covered vaccines when it starts within 4 hours.

By VaccineInjuries.org Editorial Team · Last reviewed

Good to know: Anaphylaxis after vaccination is uncommon. The Vaccine Injury Table notes that most cases resolve without lasting effects.

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you have symptoms, please talk to a doctor.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can begin very quickly and may be life-threatening (MedlinePlus). The Vaccine Injury Table describes it as an acute, severe reaction that happens as a single event and involves two or more organ systems at the same time, such as the skin, airway, heart and blood vessels, or digestive tract.

If someone may be having anaphylaxis, call 911 right away. Questions about compensation can wait until the person is safe.

Because most cases resolve fully with prompt treatment, the VICP's severity requirement is often the key question in an anaphylaxis claim.

Typical symptoms

  • Hives, itching, redness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble breathing, wheezing, or a tight throat
  • Dizziness, fainting, or a weak or rapid pulse
  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps

When symptoms typically start

The Table notes that signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis "begin minutes to a few hours after exposure." For a Table claim, the first symptom must begin within 4 hours of vaccination.

Is anaphylaxis on the Vaccine Injury Table?

Yes, for many covered vaccines. Anaphylaxis is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table with the same time period for each of these vaccine categories:

Quoted from the Vaccine Injury Table, 42 CFR 100.3
VaccineTime period for first symptom
Vaccines containing tetanus toxoid (e.g., DTaP, DTP, DT, Td, or TT)≤4 hours.
Vaccines containing whole cell pertussis bacteria, extracted or partial cell pertussis bacteria, or specific pertussis antigen(s) (e.g., DTP, DTaP, P, DTP-Hib)≤4 hours.
Vaccines containing measles, mumps, and rubella virus or any of its components (e.g., MMR, MM, MMRV)≤4 hours.
Vaccines containing polio inactivated virus (e.g., IPV)≤4 hours.
Hepatitis B vaccines≤4 hours.
Varicella vaccines≤4 hours.
Seasonal influenza vaccines≤4 hours.
Meningococcal vaccines≤4 hours.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines≤4 hours.
“Anaphylaxis is an acute, severe, and potentially lethal systemic reaction that occurs as a single discrete event with simultaneous involvement of two or more organ systems.”— 42 CFR 100.3(c)
  • Anaphylaxis is not listed on the Table for Hib, rotavirus, pneumococcal conjugate, or hepatitis A vaccines. After those vaccines, a claim would be off-Table.
  • Under the Table, an acute complication or sequela of a Table injury, including death, also qualifies as a Table injury.
  • COVID-19 vaccine claims go to the CICP rather than the VICP, and generally must be filed within one year of vaccination.

New to these terms? Read the difference between Table and off-Table injuries.

Filing deadlines

Both federal programs have strict deadlines. Missing one can end a claim, even a strong one, so it helps to write down key dates early.

VICP (most routine vaccines)

  • Injury claims: generally within 3 years after the first symptom or manifestation of onset or of the significant aggravation of the injury.
  • Death claims: within 2 years of the death and within 4 years of the first symptom of the injury that led to the death.
  • Table changes: if the Vaccine Injury Table is changed in a way that newly covers an injury, a claim may be filed within 2 years of the change for injuries up to 8 years before it.

CICP (COVID-19 vaccines and other countermeasures)

  • Generally within 1 year of the date the vaccine or other covered countermeasure was given.
  • HRSA notes that a letter of intent can be submitted to help meet the deadline while records are gathered.
  • The CICP does not pay attorneys' fees.

Severity requirement (VICP):the effects of the injury generally must have lasted more than 6 months, or resulted in inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention, or resulted in death. Reporting a reaction to VAERS is not the same as filing a claim. See HRSA's VICP eligibility rules and CICP filing process, or our guide to vaccine injury filing deadlines.

Records that matter

You don't need to have everything gathered before asking questions. These are the records that typically help show what happened and when:

  • Vaccination record showing the vaccine, date, and time it was given
  • Clinic or pharmacy notes from the observation period
  • EMS, emergency room, and hospital records with times of symptoms and treatment
  • Records of epinephrine or other emergency treatment
  • Allergist evaluations and follow-up care
  • Records of any lasting complications

Frequently asked questions

Is anaphylaxis on the Vaccine Injury Table?

Yes, for many covered vaccines, including seasonal flu, tetanus- and pertussis-containing vaccines such as Tdap, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, inactivated polio, meningococcal, and HPV vaccines. The first symptom must begin within 4 hours of vaccination and meet the Table's definition.

If my reaction fully resolved, can I still file?

Possibly not. The Table notes that most cases of anaphylaxis resolve without lasting effects, and the VICP generally requires effects lasting more than six months, inpatient hospitalization with surgical intervention, or death. Lasting complications are evaluated case by case.

What should I do first if I think someone is having anaphylaxis?

Treat it as an emergency and call 911. Questions about compensation can wait until the person is safe.

What if the reaction followed a COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccine claims go to the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), not the VICP, and generally must be filed within one year of vaccination.

Related articles

Sources

Official regulations and government health sources used for this guide:

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