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Article
December 1988

DTP Vaccine Litigation Update

Author Affiliations

Center for Prevention Services Centers for Disease Control Atlanta, GA 30333

Am J Dis Child. 1988;142(12):1275-1276. doi:10.1001/archpedi.1988.02150120029027
Abstract

Sir.—My 1986 article1 summarized the experience of the three manufacturers of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) vaccine from 1978 through 1985. I recently obtained summary information from the manufacturers about their experiences in 1986 and 1987. The results are shown in the Table. The number of doses of DTP vaccine distributed in the United States stayed relatively constant during that time. The number of suits filed reached a peak in 1986, with 255 filed, and declined to 178 in 1987 (Figure). As in previous years, somewhat more than half of the suits specified an amount sought. In 1986, the specified amount sought totaled nearly $2.2 billion; this declined to $1.2 billion in 1987. The average amount sought decreased progressively from 1984 through 1987.

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