(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any claim under this Article that is filed more than six years after the administration of a vaccine alleged to have caused a vaccine-related injury is barred. Claims on behalf of minors or incompetent persons shall be filed by their parents, guardians ad litem, or guardians within the applicable limitations period established by this section.

(b) Claims that are filed in accordance with the procedures set forth in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 130A-425(b) within six years after the date of the enactment of this Article shall not be barred unless, on the date the claim was filed, the claimant was barred by the applicable statute of limitations from filing an action for damages with respect to the subject matter of the claim.

(c) The period of limitation set forth in this section shall be stayed beginning on the date the claimant files a petition under Section 2111 of the Public Health Service Act, P.L. 99-660, and ending 120 days after the date final judgment is entered on the petition. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 1008, s. 1; 1991, c. 410, s. 3.)