Running costs of Covid vaccine damage scheme double the amount paid to victims – BBC News
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In the world of Health
By Catherine Snowdon, Health reporter, and Jim Reed, Health reporter
The government’s scheme to support individuals injured by Covid vaccines and other jabs has cost £83 million to run since April 2022, according to new figures. This administrative expense is more than double the £32 million paid out in financial compensation to victims thus far.
The Taxpayers’ Alliance think tank expressed shock at these costs and urged the government to review the scheme urgently. NHSBSA, which manages the scheme for the government, attributed the rising administrative and medical assessor supplier costs to an increase in claims, particularly related to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Key Points:
- Total Costs: £83 million for staffing, administration, and medical reviews from April 2022 to March 2026.
- Claims: Over 24,000 Covid vaccine harm claims since November 2021, with only 264 successful ones.
- Damages Paid: £31.6 million paid out for deaths or injuries caused by Covid vaccines up to June 2026.
- Medical Assessments: Costs increased from £4.3 million in 2022/23 to £19.3 million in 2025/26.
- Scheme Criticism: Campaign group Vaccine Injured and Bereaved UK (VIBUK) states the scheme is inefficient and not fit for purpose, offering too little, too late, to too few.
