Covid vaccine compensation scheme set for overhaul after Inquiry criticism

The UK government has committed to reforming the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme following criticism from the Covid Inquiry. The inquiry found the current system, which requires a 60% disability threshold, to be inadequate for supporting those harmed by Covid-19 vaccinations.
Why it matters
This reform is a significant step in addressing the needs of individuals who suffered rare adverse effects from public health initiatives.
Image caption, More than 24,000 Covid vaccine-harm claims have been made - most relating to the AstraZeneca jab
Health correspondent Published 4 hours ago The government has committed to reform of the scheme that provides financial support for those injured or bereaved by vaccines.
It was a key recommendation of the UK Covid Inquiry, and has been a focus for campaigners.
One campaign group has welcomed the recognition that vaccine injury and bereavement is real and that the current scheme is not fit for purpose.
But it says 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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in