Understand
Government commits to reviewing Covid vaccine compensation scheme following UK Covid Inquiry criticism.
Overview
The UK government has committed to reforming the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) following recommendations from the UK Covid Inquiry and pressure from campaigners. More than 24,000 Covid-related claims have been made, primarily concerning the AstraZeneca jab, but just over 1% have resulted in awards. The Inquiry criticised the current system as not sufficiently supportive, noting that the requirement for claimants to show at least 60% disability does not work effectively for Covid vaccines. While campaigners welcomed the acknowledgement that the scheme is not fit for purpose, they expressed frustration over the lack of a clear timetable or direct commitment to immediate action.
Key points
- The UK government has agreed to reform the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) following criticism from the UK Covid Inquiry.
- Over 24,000 Covid vaccine-harm claims have been submitted, with most relating to the AstraZeneca jab, but only slightly more than 1% have received payouts.
- The Inquiry's report called for urgent reform, highlighting that the current threshold requiring claimants to prove 60% disability is ineffective.
- Campaign group Vaccine Injured and Bereaved UK welcomed the recognition that the system is failing, but criticised the government for lacking a clear timetable or commitment to action.
- Recent figures revealed that running costs and administration of the VDPS have cost £83m since April 2022, which is more than double the £32m paid out to victims.