‘Teal’ MP Signs Letter Asking PM to Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Compensation Scheme

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“Teal” MP Monique Ryan has signed a letter calling for an urgent review and extension of the COVID-19 Vaccine Compensation Claims Scheme.

The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, raises concerns about the scheme’s proposed end date of Sept. 30, 2024.

“While the Australian government indemnifies vaccine manufacturers and continues to promote the take up of boosters, it makes no sense for the ’safety net' of the scheme to be removed,” the letter states.

The document was also signed by United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet, Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, Liberal Senators Gerard Rennick and Alex Antic, One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts, and former Liberal turned independent MP Russell Broadbent.

The letter raises concerns the scheme’s “narrow scope of eligibility” means the majority of vaccine-injured Australians are unable to access support.

“It has been designed in a manner which makes it near impossible for applicants to access fair compensation for their injuries,” the letter states.

“The very system designed to support the vaccine injured is creating insurmountable barriers which are near impossible to overcome—further exacerbating their suffering and distress.”

Copies of the call to action were also sent to Health Minister Mark Butler and Government Services Minister Bill Shorten.

“We implore you to heed the advice of the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee, which recommended that the government review the scheme and consider the merits of a national no-fault vaccine injury compensation scheme,” the letter states.

“As such, we urge you to extend the COVID-19 Vaccine Compensation Scheme, expand its eligibility criteria, and ensure that those Australians who have been injured can access the support they need.”

Compensation for Moderate to Severe Vaccine ‘Adverse Events’

The COVID-19 vaccine scheme enables individuals to claim compensation for moderate to severe vaccine-related adverse events.

The scheme covers vaccines approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), including the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax jabs.

Australian government agency Services Australia administers the scheme on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care.

In December 2023, the Australian government extended the closing date of the scheme to Sept. 30, 2024.

The health department website and its policy document (pdf) state that claims for compensation under the scheme may continue to be lodged until Sept. 30, 2024.

To make a compensation claim, individuals need to meet the definition of harm, be admitted to the hospital as an inpatient, or have a waiver if seen in outpatient care.

Also, those who suffered harm need to have experienced losses or expenses of more than $1,000 due to the vaccine.

The conditions included range from anaphylactic reaction to erythema multiforme (major), myocarditis, pericarditis, and thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome.

Also included are shoulder injuries from the vaccine or other moderate to significant physical injuries that caused permanent impairment or need an extended period of medical treatment.

“In both cases, the injuries must have been sustained during the physical act of being given the vaccine. You must also have been admitted to hospital as an in-patient,” Services Australia explains.

“Presenting to an emergency department is not recognised as being admitted to hospital.”

Services Australia adds the following “harm” isn’t covered under the scheme—contracting COVID-19, psychological and psychiatric conditions and secondary injuries.

“For example, an injury suffered when fainting, or a haematoma where you were injected that becomes infected,” the government agency explains.

Other side effects not accepted include headache, nausea or vomiting, lethargy, hyperhidrosis, chills, decreased appetite, malaise, lymphadenopathy, urticaria or rash, pruritus, somnolence and abdominal pain,

Services Australia told The Epoch Times in May it had received 4,191 claims and paid 286 claims worth around $20.5 million.

The 2024-25 federal budget allocates $490 million over four years to continue the national COVID-19 vaccine program.

Within the budget (pdf), $6.9 million has been allocated to Services Australia to support “ongoing access to vaccines” in 2024-25, but this has been reduced to $3.3 million in 2025-26.