Covid Vaccine Victim Denied Compensation Over Disability Threshold
An NHS nurse who developed a severe neurological condition after volunteering for the AstraZeneca vaccine trial says the compensation system needs reform.
Marie-Claire Hoyle, a 44-year-old NHS nurse, was denied compensation for a debilitating neurological condition developed after participating in the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine trial. Hoyle volunteered for the trial in 2020 and received her second jab in August of that year. Two weeks later, she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a condition causing inflammation of the spine that left her unable to use her hands and with significant numbness.
The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) in the UK offers a one-off payment of £120,000 to individuals who can prove they are at least 60% disabled as a result of a vaccine. Hoyle was informed that her condition, while severe, did not meet this threshold at the time of her application, despite her inability to hold a pen or toothbrush and ongoing nerve pain.
Hoyle's case was one of those considered during a worldwide shutdown of the AstraZeneca trial as experts investigated the neurological condition. An MRI scan revealed her spinal cord remains damaged and is unlikely to heal fully. She continues to experience numbness across her chest and nerve pain in her arm.
Baroness Hallett's Covid-19 Inquiry in April recommended reforms to the VDPS to allow for compensation for individuals with less severe injuries. Hoyle is now calling for changes to the state compensation system, emphasizing that while she remains a believer in vaccines, the current system is inadequate for those who suffer adverse effects.
She separately applied to Oxford University for compensation and received a five-figure sum after the case was settled out of court. Hoyle stated her pride in having contributed to the development of a safe vaccine, noting she took her youngest son for his COVID-19 jab in 2021.
An AstraZeneca spokesperson expressed sympathy for those affected by health problems and stated patient safety is their highest priority. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged Hoyle's situation and confirmed they are carefully considering the COVID-19 Inquiry's recommendations on reforming the scheme. The NHS Business Services Authority, which manages the VDPS, indicated that individuals whose claims were refused can challenge their decisions and have their cases reassessed.