On January 14, 2010, VICP called a conference to review nine petitions. At the conference, VICP reviewed the cases’ clinical charts, laboratory data, medical treatment, disease development, past medical history, related vaccine characteristics, relevant literature and clinical experiences to determine the cause of each case and the association between the H1N1 vaccine and the case.According to the report released by VICP, eight cases were deemed not associated with the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine, while a link between the vaccine and the other case was confirmed.In addition, four cases would be reimbursed NT$20,000~ NT$50,000 for medical charges and examination fees imposed to determine the link between the case and the H1N1 vaccine according to the new regulation.

Case # 1 is a 21-year-old pregnant woman who received the H1N1 vaccine when she was 31 weeks into her pregnancy.32 days after receiving the H1N1 vaccine, she was hospitalized for labor due to decreased fetal movement.On the day of hospitalization, the ultrasound examination detected oligohydramnios, which means the level of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is too low.As of noon on the same day, no fetal heartbeat was detected.Therefore, her labor was induced on the same day.According to the investigation, the case was 36 weeks into her pregnancy and she had developed toxemia, which suggested the presence of fetal distress.Further examination of the fetus showed a number of inborn errors.Hence, it was determined that the case’s clinical presentation is not associated with the vaccination and the case was thus ruled non-compensable. A genetic consultation was recommended to the case and her husband.

Case # 2 is a 34-year-old pregnant woman who received the H1N1 vaccine when she was 14 weeks into her pregnancy.3 days after receiving the H1N1 vaccine, she experienced abnormal vaginal bleeding.The ultrasound examination detected abnormal miscarriage and retained placenta.It was determined that the case experienced persistent vaginal bleeding, cystitis, persistent voiding dysfunction, uterus prolapse and cervical polyp during the early stage of her pregnancy, which increased the risk of miscarriage.According to the case’s medical record, her miscarriage is not associated with the vaccination. Hence, the case was ruled non-compensable.

Case # 3 is a 41-year-old pregnant woman who received the H1N1 vaccine when she was 38 weeks into her pregnancy.After receiving the H1N1 vaccine, she did not develop any discomfort. However, no fetal heart beat was detected during her pregnancy examination. She was then hospitalized for induced labor.The case is a pregnant woman having advanced maternal age and low-lying placenta.The fetal autopsy showed meconium aspiration and constriction of blood vessels due to premature aging of placenta, which indicated fetal respiratory distress. Since the case did not develop any allergic reaction to the vaccine or experience any vaccine side effects that caused fetal respiratory distress, it was determined that the case is not associated with the vaccination. Hence, the case was ruled non-compensable. Nevertheless, the case would be reimbursed T$100,000 for agreeing to performing an autopsy.

Case # 4 is a 71-year-old man who experienced facial asymmetry and misty sight three days after getting vaccinated.He was then rushed to the emergency department for medical treatment and was diagnosed with facial palsy.According to current clinical literature and epidemiological research reports, the case is not associated with the vaccination. Nevertheless, the case would be reimbursed NT$20,000 for medical charges and examination fees imposed to determine the link between the case and the H1N1 vaccine according to the new regulation.

Case# 5 is an 11-year-old girl who experienced headache, dizziness, nausea, chest pain and weakness of the limbs after receiving the H1N1 vaccine.The case’s neurological examinations and other laboratory results showed no abnormalities. Hence, it was determined that her clinical symptoms are not associated with the vaccine and the case was thus ruled non-compensable. Nevertheless, the case would be reimbursed NT$20,000 for medical charges and examination fees imposed to determine the link between the case and the H1N1 vaccine according to the new regulation.

Case # 6 is a 15-year-old boy who experienced facial asymmetry, incomplete closure of the right eye and neck pain on the right side three days after getting vaccinated. He was diagnosed with facial palsy when he sought medical attention at the pediatric neurology department. According to current clinical literature and epidemiological research reports, the case is not associated with the vaccination. Nevertheless, the case would be reimbursed NT$20,000 for medical charges and examination fees imposed to determine the link between the case and the H1N1 vaccine according to the new regulation.

Case# 7 is a 14-year-old girl who experienced general weakness and dizziness 20 minutes after receiving the pandemic H1N1 vaccine.She was then rushed to the emergency department for medical attention.After an initial examination, she was hospitalized for further treatment because her symptoms, including shortness of breath, agitation, chill and vomiting, persisted.The case’s neurological examinations showed no abnormalities. Hence, it was determined that the case had hyperventilation syndrome associated with heart problems and the case was thus ruled non-compensable. Nevertheless, the case would be reimbursed NT$50,000 for medical charges and examination fees imposed to determine the link between the case and the H1N1 vaccine according to the new regulation.

Case# 8 is a 7-year-old girl who developed a red swelling at the injection site the day after receiving the H1N1 vaccine.4 days later, the red swelling measured 8 x13 cm. It was determined that the case’s clinical symptom is associated with the vaccination. Hence, the case would be reimbursed NT$5,000.

Case# 9 is a 14-year-old girl who suddenly fell into coma 16 days after receiving the H1N1 vaccine.She was then rushed to the emergency department for medical treatment.However, she showed no vital signs before arriving at the hospital.The case showed no discomfort after getting the vaccine.Her autopsy found that she had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, mitrial valve prolapse and tricuspid valve prolapse. Hence, it was determined that the case died of cardiogenic shock associated with heart problems and the case was thus ruled non-compensable.

As of January 15, 2010, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has received a total of 90 claims requesting compensation for individuals thought to be injured by the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. VICP has completed reviewing 25 petitions.Two cases were ruled compensable (association is confirmed in one while association cannot be excluded in the other) while the other twenty-three cases were ruled non-compensable. Twelve cases were reimbursed for medical charges and examination fees imposed to determine the link between the case and the H1N1 vaccine according to the new regulation and one case was reimbursed for performing autopsy.