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UK government pledges overhaul of vaccine compensation scheme after Covid Inquiry criticism

Current payment system branded 'not sufficiently supportive' as only 1% of 24,000 claims succeeded

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
The government has committed to reforming the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) after the UK Covid Inquiry found the system was failing those injured or bereaved by vaccines, with fewer than one in every 100 claims resulting in a payout.

The UK government has committed to reforming the scheme that provides financial support for people injured or bereaved by vaccines, following a key recommendation by the UK Covid Inquiry, the BBC reports.

The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) provides a one-off tax-free award of £120,000, but more than 24,000 Covid-related claims have been made, and only just over 1% have been paid out, the BBC reports. The inquiry, chaired by Baroness Hallett, called for "urgent" reform, stating the current system is "not sufficiently supportive".

The inquiry's fourth report noted that requiring claimants to prove they have been at least "60% disabled" does not work effectively for Covid vaccines.

One campaign group has welcomed the recognition that vaccine injury and bereavement is real and that the current scheme is not fit for purpose, the BBC reports. However, the group said it wants a clear commitment to action by ministers, rather than simply saying they will look further at what needs to be done.

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

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Thousands of claimants have been left without adequate financial support despite suffering proven harm from vaccines.
  • The overhaul sets a precedent for how the UK handles vaccine injury compensation in future pandemics.
  • Campaigners will scrutinise whether the government delivers concrete reforms or delays action.

Background

The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme was introduced in the 1970s to provide a lump sum payment to people who become severely disabled as a result of vaccination. The UK Covid Inquiry, established to examine the government's pandemic response, has been publishing reports with recommendations. Baroness Hallett's fourth report focused on vaccines and therapeutics, calling the current support system insufficient.

Key Perspectives

[Government]: Has committed to reform of the VDPS, responding to the inquiry's recommendation, but campaigners say the commitment lacks specific timetables or concrete changes. [Baroness Hallett / Covid Inquiry]: Found the current scheme 'not sufficiently supportive' and called for urgent reform, noting the 60% disability threshold does not work for Covid vaccines. [Campaigners]: Welcome official recognition that vaccine injury is real and the scheme is not fit for purpose, but want a clear commitment to action, not further study.

What to Watch

  • Whether the government publishes a timeline or specific legislative changes following this commitment.
  • Any adjustment to the 60% disability threshold for vaccine injury claims.
  • The response from campaign groups if reform is delayed or watered down.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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