Fourth Module of UK Investigation Examines Vaccine Program’s Impact
The UK Covid Inquiry will open its fourth module on Tuesday with testimony from individuals and families who suffered severe adverse reactions to Covid-19 vaccines, including multiple fatalities linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. More than 17,500 people have applied to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, though only 188 claims have received compensation. Representatives from vaccine injury groups will tell Lady Justice Hallett that earlier government warnings about potential risks could have prevented many devastating outcomes.
5 Key Points
- Over 17,500 people have filed claims with the UK Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.
- Only 188 applicants have received the £120,000 compensation payment.
- The majority of approved claims relate to blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine.
- Victims must prove 60 percent disability to qualify for compensation.
- The Health Secretary has commissioned officials to reform the payment scheme.
Vaccine Injury Claims Highlight Payment Scheme’s Limitations
The UK’s Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme has approved only 188 claims out of more than 17,500 applications, sparking criticism from affected families about its restrictive criteria. The scheme offers a one-time payment of £120,000 to individuals who can prove at least 60 percent disability from vaccine injuries. Kate Scott from Vaccine Injured and Bereaved UK, whose husband Jamie suffered adverse effects from the AstraZeneca vaccine, emphasized the human cost: “Every vaccine-injured or bereaved person in our group stepped forward and had the vaccination as the government asked us to do, but it went horrifically wrong for us and our families and caused devastating results.” Hundreds of applicants have faced rejection for “not being disabled enough” despite experiencing serious medical complications.
Blood Clot Risk Emerged Early in Vaccine Rollout
Most successful compensation claims link to the AstraZeneca vaccine’s connection to vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT), a severe blood clotting condition. While European nations suspended AstraZeneca distribution in 2020 after detecting increased adverse reactions in younger recipients, critics argue British authorities delayed protective measures. The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines have also drawn attention for their association with cardiac complications. Kelly Hatfield, whose father Kenneth Purnell died following vaccination, stated: “We trusted the government, we trusted the science and have suffered devastating consequences. Families like mine have been ignored for too long.”
Personal Accounts Document Range of Vaccine Complications
The Covid Inquiry will hear testimony detailing specific vaccine injuries that devastated families across the UK. In Leeds, 28-year-old Alex Reid developed vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. VITT, a rare but severe condition, causes blood clots combined with low platelet counts, which can prove fatal, as it did in Alex’s case. His parents, Halina and Antony Reid will testify about losing their only child to this complication.
In Co Durham, Lisa Eve showed symptoms shortly after vaccination that would ultimately claim her life at age 44. Her husband Gareth’s testimony will detail how the vaccine’s adverse effects impacted a previously healthy woman, leaving behind a devastated family. “She was my best friend, teammate, and soulmate,” Gareth stated, emphasizing how the lack of recognition for vaccine injuries has compounded their trauma. “The way vaccine injured and bereaved have been consistently ignored and gaslighted only adds to the pain.”
Kate Scott’s husband Jamie suffered severe adverse reactions to the AstraZeneca vaccine, joining hundreds of others whose injuries failed to meet the government’s 60 percent disability threshold for compensation. The VDPS has rejected numerous claims from individuals experiencing chronic conditions, including those with documented neurological complications, sustained cardiac issues, and ongoing mobility problems. “It is still an uncomfortable truth for many, but vaccine injury and death are very sadly a part of the pandemic story,” Scott explained.
UKCVFamily founder Charlet Crichton, who reports permanent injury from her vaccination, plans to present evidence of widespread complications through hundreds of case studies. These documents will detail various adverse reactions, from blood clotting disorders to heart inflammation, particularly myocarditis and pericarditis associated with mRNA vaccines. Kenneth Purnell’s case, presented by his daughter Kelly Hatfield, will highlight how adverse reactions affected elderly recipients. “Families like mine have been ignored for too long. It’s time for accountability and reform,” Hatfield stated, emphasizing the need for broader recognition of vaccine injuries beyond the current compensation scheme’s strict criteria.
Government Faces Pressure for Compensation Reform
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has commissioned officials to explore reforms to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme as pressure mounts from advocacy groups. UKCVFamily, granted core participant status in the inquiry, plans to present hundreds of case studies documenting vaccine injuries. The organization’s founder, Charlet Crichton, who reports permanent vaccine injury herself, stated: “We are looking forward to finally having the opportunity for our voices to be heard by Baroness Hallett and the Covid Inquiry team so that the neglect and mistreatment of those impacted by the vaccines will never happen again.” The inquiry will also hear testimony from former health secretary Matt Hancock, former business secretary Lord Alok Sharma, and vaccine hesitancy expert Prof Heidi Larson from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
FAQ
Q: What can I do if I was harmed by a defective or dangerous drug?
A: If you or a loved one were harmed by a defective or dangerous drug, legal options may be available. Contact our legal experts to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review.
Q: What is the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS)?
A: The VDPS is a UK government program offering a one-off tax-free payment of £120,000 to individuals severely injured by COVID-19 vaccines. Applicants must prove at least 60 percent disability to qualify.
Q: How many people have filed claims with the VDPS?
A: More than 17,500 people have applied to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, but only 188 claims have received payouts so far.
Q: What is VITT, and how is it linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine?
A: VITT (vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis) is a dangerous blood clotting condition linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. It combines blood clots with low platelet counts and can be fatal.
Q: What actions did other countries take regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine?
A: Several European countries halted their AstraZeneca vaccine rollouts in 2020 after noticing increased adverse reactions, particularly in younger recipients.
Q: Who will testify at the Covid Inquiry’s fourth module?
A: The inquiry will hear from vaccine-injured individuals and bereaved families, former health secretary Matt Hancock, former business secretary Lord Alok Sharma, and vaccine hesitancy expert Prof Heidi Larson.
Q: What reforms are being considered for the vaccine compensation scheme?
A: Health Secretary Wes Streeting has commissioned officials to work on “a number of options” to reform the VDPS, though specific changes haven’t been announced.
Q: What types of vaccine injuries have been reported?
A: Reported injuries include blood clotting disorders (VITT) from the AstraZeneca vaccine and heart problems linked to mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna.
Citations
Knapton, S. (January 13, 2025). People harmed by Covid jab to tell of ‘devastating results’. MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/people-harmed-by-covid-jab-to-tell-of-devastating-results/
