Nearly half a million Britons have reported suffering side effects from COVID-19 vaccines, according to an analysis of official figures. The data from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card reporting scheme indicates that the AstraZeneca vaccine had the highest number of reported complications. Additionally, over 2,500 reports claim a family member died as a result of vaccination.
The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) has faced criticism for its stringent eligibility criteria, requiring applicants to prove 60% disability. A Freedom of Information request revealed that over 22,800 compensation claims have been filed following COVID-19 vaccinations, but only approximately 1% to 5% have resulted in successful payouts, with just over 200 claimants receiving the statutory payment.
One case highlighted is that of John Cross, an NHS pharmacist who was left paralyzed after a rare reaction to the AstraZeneca jab, diagnosed as Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. He spent seven months in hospital and required a ventilator. Despite his condition, his initial claim for compensation under the VDPS was rejected because he did not meet the 60% disability threshold. After nearly three years and an appeal, an independent tribunal reversed the decision, awarding his widow, Christine, compensation and an apology.
An investigation by The Telegraph found that 243 individuals injured by COVID-19 vaccines were denied payment under the scheme, even when medical assessors linked their harm to the vaccine. In total, 202 claimants have received Vaccine Damage Payments amounting to over £24.2 million.
Kam Miller's husband, Neil Miller, a father of two and IT worker, died in May 2021 after developing fatal blood clotting, identified as vaccine-induced immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare side effect linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. His death certificate and an inquest concluded he had a rare reaction to the vaccine.
Another reported death was that of BBC radio presenter Lisa Shaw, 44, who died in May 2021 following headaches after her first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. A coroner ruled her death was caused by VITT, specifically blood clots in her brain leading to a stroke.
Rebecca Stevens was left wheelchair-bound and incapacitated after receiving the AstraZeneca jab in April 2021. She died in October of the following year, with her death attributed to natural causes and complications following the vaccination. Her widower also successfully claimed a payment through the VDPS.
Tom Dudley, 31, experienced severe headaches after receiving the AstraZeneca jab in April 2021. He later suffered a bleed on the brain and died three days after being admitted to the hospital. A medic at the inquest suggested he might still be alive if he had received a different vaccine, and the coroner recorded the cause of death as a brain bleed caused by the vaccine.
Kate Scott is currently suing AstraZeneca on behalf of her husband, Jamie, who she states suffered serious brain damage after receiving the vaccine. She has emphasized the need for pharmaceutical companies to be held accountable for the damage caused by their products and called for better support for those harmed and their families.