# Plain Language Summary: COVID-19 Vaccine Accountability Act

This bill would remove legal protections that currently shield COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits. Right now, vaccine makers have immunity—meaning people who believe they've been harmed by a COVID-19 vaccine generally cannot sue the manufacturer for damages. This bill would eliminate that protection specifically for COVID-19 vaccines, allowing people to take vaccine manufacturers to court if they claim the vaccine caused them injury or death.

The bill also limits how much money the federal government would have to pay if someone is harmed by a COVID-19 vaccine that was required by law. Currently, there's a separate compensation program for vaccine injuries, but this bill would cap the government's liability at just $10,000 per person for any death or injury from COVID-19 vaccines given since January 1, 2020. This is a significant limitation—medical bills and damages from serious injuries typically far exceed this amount.

In practical terms, this would create two major changes: First, vaccine manufacturers would face potential lawsuits from individuals claiming harm, which could expose them to substantial legal costs and damages. Second, people harmed by mandated COVID-19 vaccines would have a $10,000 cap on what the government would compensate them, which is much lower than what injured parties might recover through other legal channels. The bill essentially shifts more liability away from manufacturers and toward individuals, while also limiting government compensation for those who claim vaccine injuries.

COVID–19 Vaccine Accountability Act

Perry, Scott

COVID-19 Vaccine Accountability Act This bill excludes manufacturers of a mandated COVID-19 vaccine from certain liability protections that apply to manufacturers of medical countermeasures (i.e., medical products that may be used to treat, prevent, or diagnose conditions associated with emerging infectious diseases or chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear agents). It also retroactively limits to $10,000 the liability of the United States for a death or injury caused by a COVID-19 vaccine administered on or after January 1, 2020.