UK to Overhaul Vaccine Compensation Scheme Following Inquiry Criticism
The government has pledged to review the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme after a report found it to be insufficient.
The United Kingdom is set to reform its Covid vaccine compensation scheme following criticism from the Covid Inquiry. The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), which provides financial support to individuals harmed or bereaved by vaccinations, has been flagged as in urgent need of overhaul.
Baroness Hallett, chair of the Covid Inquiry, stated in her fourth report that while the benefits of vaccination are well-documented, and the AstraZeneca Covid jab is credited with saving millions of lives globally, support for the minority who have experienced adverse effects needs significant improvement. The current system requires claimants to demonstrate at least 60% disability, a threshold that has proven ineffective for Covid vaccine cases.
More than 24,000 people have submitted claims related to Covid vaccines to the VDPS. However, only a small fraction, just over 1%, have resulted in one-off tax-free awards of £120,000.
In response to the inquiry's findings, the government has committed to reviewing the scheme to ensure it is "fit for purpose and delivered effectively." Ministers in England have pledged to collaborate with other UK nations and individuals affected by vaccine injuries and their families.
The inquiry's report emphasized that the VDPS is "not sufficiently supportive" and requires urgent reform to better assist those who have suffered harm from vaccinations.