Gov explores 'vaccine damage' payment scheme

Wednesday 22 March 2023

Anyone harmed by a covid-19 vaccine administered in Jersey could receive compensation in future, under proposals being explored by Jersey's government.

In December 2020, the UK government added covid-19 vaccinations to its 'Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme', which enables those harmed by listed vaccines to access a one-off tax-free payment of up to £120,000.

Answering questions in the States Assembly yesterday, Health Minister Deputy Karen Wilson said Jersey currently had "no legislative basis" to set up a statutory vaccine damage payment scheme, but said officials were "actively engaging with the UK government to explore options for enabling those who may have been harmed by a vaccination against covid-19, which has been administered in Jersey".

In the meantime, individuals who are suffering from an injury or illness, whether caused by a vaccination or not, could be eligible for existing Social Security benefits, Deputy Wilson said.

Deputy Rob Ward said that because Jersey residents received vaccines from the NHS supply, they should also be covered by the UK’s scheme.

Deputy Monty Tadier, however, said Jersey should have its own scheme.

Deputy Wilson responded that work was "ongoing" to "gather information on how the UK system operates and how aspects of its infrastructure could be applied to Jersey".