Revision planned for vaccine payments as claims increase in the wake of the pandemic

A payment system will be reviewed to help those left disabled after receiving a vaccine and the families of those who died after a surge in claims following the pandemic.

Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has asked officials in her department to look at how the Vaccine Injury Payment Scheme (VDPS) could be reformed.

It comes amid concerns that it is struggling to cope with a large number of claims from those suffering side effects after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.

Applications rose to 4,008 last year, up from 480 in 2022, 26 in 2020 and 27 in 2019, official figures show. Separate data reveals that as of April 26 this year, 11,022 applications were made to the scheme in relation to Covid jabs.

It is not a compensation plan, but rather aims to “alleviate the present and future burdens of those who suffer serious harm from vaccines and their families.” Victims and their families still have the right to demand compensation.

Funding for the scheme has increased from £600,000 in 2021-22 to £16.1 million in 2023-24. Its £120,000 one-off payment has not risen at the rate of inflation since 2007. Minister Esther McVey is understood to be among those calling for reforms to the scheme.

Last week, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca admitted in court documents that its Covid vaccine may cause a rare side effect. He faces accusations that the blow caused death and serious injury in 75 cases.

Charlet Crichton, of the charity UKCVFamily, which supports those suffering side effects from the Covid vaccine, told The Sunday Telegraph: “Ministers say the £120,000 payment can be used to fund litigation, but it can’t, because vaccine injury cases are long and costly.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: “We have already expanded and modernized the VDPS to allow cases to be processed more quickly, including by digitizing the application process and increasing the number of administrative staff.”