Covid vaccine compensation scheme set for overhaul after Inquiry criticism

The benefits of vaccination are well documented. The AstraZeneca Covid jab is credited with saving millions of lives worldwide. But some people have experienced harm.

In her fourth report, the chair of the Covid Inquiry, Baroness Hallett, called for better support for those affected.

She said while this was a minority, the way they are supported needed urgent reform.

More than 24,000 people have made Covid-related claims to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), a form of financial support paid by the government, but just over 1% have resulted in one-off tax-free awards of £120,000.

The report called for “urgent” reform of the scheme, saying that it is “not sufficiently supportive”.

It said the current system, in which those affected must show they have been at least “60% disabled”, does not work effectively for Covid vaccines.

In its response to the report, the government says, external it is committed to reviewing the scheme to ensure it is “fit for purpose and delivered effectively.”

Ministers in England have promised to work closely with the other nations of the UK as well as those injured by the Covid vaccine and their families.