Services Australia is to administer a new scheme from next Monday (6 September) compensating members of the public who lose income due to an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said Services Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme would offer protection to Australians receiving a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved COVID-19 vaccine, no matter where the vaccination occurred.
“Side effects, or adverse events, from COVID-19 vaccinations can occur, but most are mild and last no longer than a couple of days,” Mr Hunt said.
“Serious and life-threatening side effects are very rare, but it is important that we provide a safety net to support those affected,” he said.
“It also ensures that health professionals administering vaccines will be able to continue with their crucial role in the vaccine roll out with assurance that the Claims Scheme will offer them protection.”
Mr Hunt said the Scheme would provide people with a single “front door” to a simple and quick administrative process for compensation and was designed to help the small number of people who experienced a moderate to significant adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine.
He said the TGA would provide guidance on recognised adverse reactions as part of their established surveillance program.
“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 from the COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme webpage,” he said.
“The Scheme will cover the costs of injuries above $5,000 due to a proven adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccination.”
Mr Hunt said claims would be assessed by independent experts and compensation paid based on the recommendations.
Services Australia’s Scheme webpage, which is to be active from 6 September, can be accessed at this PS News link.
