Covid vaccine compensation scheme set for overhaul after Inquiry criticism
Summary
The UK government has promised to review and improve the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), which provides financial help to people harmed or bereaved by Covid vaccinations. The Covid Inquiry highlighted that the current system is not effective and needs urgent changes to better support those affected.Key Facts
- Over 24,000 Covid vaccine injury claims have been made in the UK, mostly related to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
- Only about 1% of these claims have received a one-time tax-free payment of £120,000.
- The current scheme requires claimants to prove they are at least 60% disabled, which the Inquiry says is too strict for Covid vaccine cases.
- The Covid Inquiry, led by Baroness Hallett, called for urgent reform of the scheme to provide better support.
- The government said it will review the scheme to ensure it works well and will collaborate with affected people and UK nations.
- A campaign group for vaccine-injured people praised the recognition of vaccine harm but demands clear government action and a timetable.
- Since April 2022, the VDPS has cost £83 million to run, with administration expenses more than double the amount paid in compensation.
- Ministers say they will make sure the scheme operates properly and addresses concerns about its costs and support.
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