The Federal Government has reportedly finalised a national no-fault indemnity scheme for Covid-19 vaccination, a move that has been welcomed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
According to Minister for Health Greg Hunt the Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme offers protection to Australians receiving vaccines as well as health professionals administering them.
Minister Hunt says that the Scheme will provide Australians with quick access to compensation for the very cases of adverse side effects.
Speaking about the Scheme, RACGP President Dr Karen Price says this is a welcome step forward and provides a “safety net of protection” for patients and vaccinators.
“It is primarily to save patients having to go through complicated legal processes to seek compensation in the event of very rare side effects,” says Dr Price.
Dr Price adds that the Scheme also “provides peace of mind” of healthcare workers, “working hard on the frontline of the vaccine rollout”.
From 6 September, Australians who suffer injury and loss of income due to their Covid-19 vaccine will be able to register their intent to claim at: health.gov.au/COVID-19-vaccination-claim-scheme.
The Scheme will cover the costs of injuries above $5,000 due to a proven adverse reaction to a Covid-19 vaccination, and payments will be fully funded by the Commonwealth.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will provide guidance on recognised adverse reactions as part of their established surveillance program.
