Government Agrees to Pay for Girl's Vaccine Injuries

By Daniel Hawn

Published on March 18, 2008

Though parents of autistic children are hailing the government's actions as confirmation of the disputed link between vaccines and autism, the specific wording of the agency's concession means that it is unlikely to be a precedent for similar injury claims.

The case involves a Georgia girl who suffers from a cell disorder linked to impaired brain function. According to documents obtained by The Associated Press, the girl received five vaccinations on a single day in 2000, which aggravated her condition, ultimately resulting in worsened brain function and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.

The documents do not say whether the girl's injuries were caused by thimersol – a controversial mercury-based preservative used in some vaccines.

The girl's parents have not commented on the amount of money their daughter will receive, because the deal is still being finalized.

The girl will be paid out of a federal fund that was created to compensate patients for vaccine-related injuries. The fund shields vaccine makers from lawsuits in an effort to ensure an adequate vaccine supply.

Despite the payout, the Health Resources and Services Administration, which operates the patient fund, said the agency continues to maintain its position that vaccines do not cause autism.

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