Potential Compensation for AstraZeneca Vaccine Injuries: A New Labour Initiative
In a significant development for thousands of Britons who claim to have suffered life-altering disabilities due to AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine, the Labour Party is reportedly considering a bespoke compensation scheme. This initiative, spearheaded by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, aims to provide support to those affected by severe side effects, echoing a similar compensation framework established for victims of the infected blood scandal.
The Current Landscape of Vaccine Injury Claims
The existing Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), which has been in place since 1979, is facing mounting criticism for its inadequacy in addressing the needs of those injured by Covid vaccines. Recent reports indicate that the VDPS is overwhelmed with claims, with over 15,000 applications submitted for alleged harm caused by Covid vaccines. However, only a mere 188 claims have been approved for compensation, raising concerns about the scheme’s effectiveness and responsiveness.
Campaigners argue that the VDPS is no longer fit for purpose, particularly in light of the unique challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many individuals who have suffered serious side effects, such as heart attacks, strokes, and facial paralysis, feel that the current compensation structure fails to adequately support them, especially if they are unable to work due to their conditions.
Labour’s Proposed Changes
Wes Streeting’s discussions with campaigners from Vaccine Bereaved and Injured UK (Vibuk) signal a potential shift in the government’s approach to vaccine injury compensation. The Labour Party is exploring two main options: reforming the existing VDPS or establishing a new, dedicated compensation scheme for those affected by Covid vaccines. This proactive stance is seen as a necessary response to the growing number of claims and the urgent need for a more effective support system.
Shadow Attorney General Sir Jeremy Wright, who attended the meeting with Streeting and Vibuk, emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of those injured by the vaccine. He stated, "If you are in the very small minority of those injured [by the Covid vaccine], those people have a right to expect the state to look after them properly – they were only doing what the state asked them to do." This sentiment reflects a broader recognition of the responsibility that the government holds towards its citizens who have suffered as a result of public health initiatives.
Legal Actions Against AstraZeneca
The discussions surrounding compensation are further complicated by ongoing legal actions against AstraZeneca. Families represented by Vibuk are pursuing a class-action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical giant, which has acknowledged in court documents that its Covid vaccines can, "in very rare cases," lead to serious side effects. This admission has fueled the urgency for a more robust compensation framework, as many families seek justice and support for their loved ones who have been adversely affected.
The Call for Reform
Charlet Crichton, founder of the UKCVFamily charity, has been vocal about the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the VDPS. She expressed optimism regarding the Labour government’s willingness to support vaccine-injured individuals and their families, but stressed that the current scheme is inadequate. "There are too many things wrong with the current scheme for it to be viable," she stated, highlighting the necessity for a system that truly reflects the needs of those impacted.
Government Response
In response to the growing concerns, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care expressed sympathy for those who have suffered harm due to vaccine side effects. The spokesperson confirmed that the Secretary of State has engaged with affected families and is committed to closely examining their concerns as part of the ongoing evaluation of the pandemic’s lessons.
Conclusion
As the Labour Party considers potential reforms to the compensation landscape for vaccine injuries, the plight of those affected by AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine remains a pressing issue. With thousands of claims pending and a growing chorus of voices advocating for change, the government faces a critical juncture in addressing the needs of its citizens. Whether through reforming the existing VDPS or establishing a new compensation scheme, the path forward must prioritize the well-being and support of those who have suffered as a result of the pandemic response. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for how vaccine-related injuries are handled in the future, ensuring that individuals receive the care and compensation they rightfully deserve.