Vaccine Damage Compensation Schemes
Find out if you qualify for Government compensation
Vaccine injury compensation programs are designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have been seriously injured by certain vaccines. These programs typically operate on a no-fault basis, meaning that claimants do not need to prove that the vaccine manufacturer or healthcare provider was negligent.
Other countries may be covered under the World Health Organisation's COVAX No-Fault Compensation Program.
WHO COVAX No-Fault Compensation Program
"The COVAX No-Fault Compensation Program for AMC eligible economies provides no-fault lump sum compensation in full and final settlement of any claims to individuals who have suffered a Serious Adverse Event resulting in permanent impairment or death associated with a COVID-19 Vaccine procured or distributed through the COVAX Facility, or the administration of such a Vaccine, within any AMC Eligible Economy."
COVAX AMC-Eligible economies
Low Income Countries:
Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, The Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Korea, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Yemen
Low-Middle Income Countries:
Angola, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Arab Rep., El Salvador, Eswatini, Ghana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Republic Lao PDR, Lesotho, Mauritania, Micronesia, Fed, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Bank and Gaza, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Additional Eligible Countries:
Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guyana, Kosovo, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Samoa, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, Tuvalu
Self-Financing Participants:
Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Gabon, Georgia, Guatemala, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Oman, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
European Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Australia: The National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS)
Australia previously had a dedicated COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme to compensate individuals who suffered serious side effects from approved COVID-19 vaccines.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme closed on 30th September 2024. New claims are not being accepted.
While the specific COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme has closed, it's important to note that Australia's broader healthcare system may offer support and compensation for vaccine-related injuries in certain circumstances. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or legal advisor for specific guidance.
Learn more about NIIS:
- https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-vaccine-claims-scheme
- https://treasury.gov.au/programs-initiatives-consumers-community/niis
Canada: The Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP)
Canadians who have experienced serious and permanent injuries following a Health Canada-authorised vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, may be eligible for financial assistance through the Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP).
This program offers financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. Unlike some other compensation schemes, VISP is designed to streamline the process for claimants, ensuring they receive the support they need.
Learn more about VISP:
European countries with national vaccine injury compensation programs
The European Union has a number of national vaccine injury compensation programs, as well as a pan-European program called the European Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme (EVICS). This network of schemes aims to provide a safety net for individuals who may experience serious adverse effects from vaccines.
The European Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme (EVICS) is a pan-European scheme designed to provide a harmonized approach to vaccine injury compensation across the EU. It aims to ensure fair and efficient compensation for individuals who have suffered serious harm from vaccines, regardless of the country of vaccination.
Learn more about EVICS:
FRANCE
France offers a comprehensive compensation program for individuals who have suffered serious side effects from vaccinations.
The National Compensation Fund for Vaccine Damage (FNIA) provides financial assistance to cover medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Learn more about FNIA:
GERMANY
Germany has a comprehensive vaccine injury compensation scheme integrated into its social security system. This scheme covers a wide range of vaccine-related injuries, including those caused by COVID-19 vaccines.
Learn more on the German Federal Ministry of Health / Bundesministerium für Gesundheit website.
IRELAND
The Irish government is currently developing a formal compensation scheme for individuals who experience serious side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations.
Specific details and eligibility criteria are still being finalised.
Learn more on the official Irish government website:
ITALY
Italy has a long-standing commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens. This commitment is evident in its robust vaccine injury compensation scheme, known as "Legge 210/92". This scheme, which has been extended to cover COVID-19 vaccinations, provides financial support to individuals who have suffered serious adverse effects as a result of vaccination.
Learn more about Legge 210/92:
New Zealand: The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
New Zealand offers comprehensive accident and injury cover through the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). This includes coverage for vaccine-related injuries, such as those caused by COVID-19 vaccinations.
ACC provides financial support for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other related costs. The no-fault system ensures that individuals can access compensation without needing to prove negligence.
Learn more about ACC:
United Kingdom: Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS)
The UK acknowledges the potential for vaccine injuries with the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS). This scheme offers a one-off, tax-free payment of £120,000 to individuals who have been severely disabled as a result of certain vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccines.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) administers the scheme, providing financial support to those who have suffered serious harm from vaccination.
Learn more about the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme:
- Overview: https://www.gov.uk/vaccine-damage-payment
- How to Claim (Eligibility Criteria): https://www.gov.uk/vaccine-damage-payment/how-to-claim
- Claim Form: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/vaccine-damage-payment-scheme-vdps
- NHSBSA: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Reporting Side Effects in the UK
The Yellow Card Scheme is a UK system for reporting suspected adverse reactions to medicines and vaccines. It's a tool used to monitor product safety and identify potential issues.
Learn more about the Yellow Card Scheme:
- Yellow Card Scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
United States: The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a no-fault system in the US designed to compensate individuals who have been injured by certain vaccines. This program was established to ensure vaccine availability and protect vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits.
If you believe you've been injured by a covered vaccine, you can file a petition with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. The VICP provides compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
Learn more about the VICP:
- National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program: https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation
- About the VICP: https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation/about
- File a Claim: https://injurycompensation.hrsa.gov/
Reporting Side Effects in the US
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national system for reporting adverse events following vaccination.
If you've experienced a side effect after vaccination, you can report it to VAERS.
Learn more about VAERS:
Please note:
- This website is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for professional legal or medical advice. The information provided is based on current knowledge and regulations, but laws and policies can change. Always consult with a qualified legal professional or healthcare provider for personalised advice.
- Laws and regulations can change, and specific eligibility criteria and compensation amounts may vary between different countries and schemes.
- Always consult with a legal professional for personalised advice.
- These programs are not intended to replace traditional legal remedies.
- Claimants may still be able to pursue legal action against vaccine manufacturers or healthcare providers if they believe that they have been harmed by negligence or other wrongdoing.
- It's recommended to consult with local health authorities or legal professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information.