In January 2022 we reported that vaccinations against Coronavirus (COVID-19) had been added to the list of vaccinations for which people may claim a Vaccine Damage Payment. (VDPA) (see post)
The Vaccine Damage Payment scheme had at that time, already approved and paid some applications in respect of vaccinations against COVID-19, where the individual had been able to establish that receiving the vaccine caused them to suffer severe disablement.
A response to a Freedom of Information request on the current status of Vaccine Damage Payment Act claims has now been published on the NHS Open Date Portal: https://opendata.nhsbsa.net/dataset/foi-01090
In summary, the response, as of 24 April 2023, was that 4,914 claims had been made for Covid vaccination damage, with 30% (1,482) of those, having been notified of an outcome and 5.26% (78) of those claims, being entitled to payment.
The type of disablement suffered following vaccinations is split into claim subgroups, with a majority of 48.7% suffering from VITT/Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis, where the vaccine had induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (blood clots).
11.7% of the claims were for Guillain-Barre Syndrome (generalised neurological condition) and 30% for multiple broadly neurological causes, including transverse myelitis.
These findings highlight that whilst bringing a claim for vaccine damage is quite problematic legally, there are some very good reasons why claims for damages can be successful.
The team want to advise clients that successful claims are possible, principally for claimants who developed VITT, Guillain-Barre syndrome and transverse myelitis, shortly after they had a covid vaccination.
For further information about the eligibility for a vaccine damage payment, please visit – https://www.gov.uk/vaccine-damage-payment/eligibility
If you would like further information or assistance with a new or existing application, or you have concerns about a vaccination you have received, please get in touch with our Medical Negligence Team. Or contact Sarah Hale DD: 01454 807942 e: sarah.hale@daviesandpartners.com
