The need to reform the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme
The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme was set up in 1979 for those injured as a result of vaccinations recommended by the Government. The main purpose of the scheme was to improve public confidence in vaccination. However, the scheme is no longer fit for purpose.
How does the VDPS currently work?
As per the VDPA the scheme currently ‘provides a single tax-free payment for vaccine damaged persons for death or severe disablement’ proved on a balance of probabilities caused by ‘vaccination against any of the diseases to which this Act applies’
Fundamental flaws of the VDPS:
The act states that a person is ‘severely disabled’ if he/she suffers disablement to the extent of 60% or more. Vaccination can cause a wide range of injuries, the 60% threshold is too high and as a result it prevents some with lifelong injuries from accessing compensation through the scheme.
If an applicant meets the threshold a tax-free payment of £120,000 will be awarded. The VDPS cap of £120,000 was last revised in 2007. This figure is often inadequate to fund the care and treatment of those with long lasting injuries. The award in today’s world provides limited financial support.
The VDPS is a slow process with lengthy delays and backlogs.
Call for reform:
Sarah Moore from Leigh Say Solicitors who represents a group of claimants who have been seriously injured or bereaved as a result of a side-effect of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine recently gave evidence in Module 4 of the UK Covid Inquiry which deals with vaccines and therapeutics. Sarah called for a review and reform of the scheme as it fails to meet the needs of those who have been seriously injured or bereaved due to vaccination side effects stating “it is shocking that we have a 1970’s system that we have done nothing to reform…I think the case for reform is overwhelming and I would argue that the case for a bespoke compensation scheme is significant and urgent”. In her written statement of evidence to the Inquiry Sarah stated the importance of vaccinations in health pandemics however noted the need to reform the scheme to maintain public confidence in vaccinations recommended by the Government.
We are hopeful that the UK Covid Inquiry will recommend changes to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme to allow those with a wide range of injuries to be eligible for meaningful financial support.
Contact us
If you have been seriously injured due to a vaccine side effect, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.