Database will allow academics to compare compensation schemes for injury from vaccines in different countries
The University of Oxford has revealed that a group of its researchers are mapping the development of Covid-19 vaccine compensation schemes across the world.
Over three years, the team from the faculty of law will create an online database for researchers to compare Covid jab compensations schemes in different countries, the university said on 31 March.
Schemes providing compensation to those who have suffered injury from the Covid jab became more widespread throughout the pandemic with 146 countries now operating one, the research has already revealed.
Uneven distribution of coverage
The project’s principal researcher Sonia Macleod said the pandemic drove the “rapid” creation of Covid vaccine compensation schemes but the coverage of such schemes “isn’t evenly distributed globally”, and it can be “difficult” to find information on them.
“We have mapped the world-wide distribution outlining what provision is in place where. This website will enable affected individuals who want to make a claim, governments, policy professionals and academics to see what is available in their country and how it compares to other nations.”
The UK government introduced its own scheme by expanding the Vaccine Damage Payments Act of 1979 to cover Covid-19 vaccines. A Freedom of Information request from Research Professional News revealed this month that the scheme, which offers a one-off payment of £120,000, has received around 4,000 Covid-19 claims as of 6 March, with 334 claims relating to a death.
Those behind the project hope their research could potentially provide evidence-based support for the design of vaccine compensation schemes in future pandemics.
Compensation scheme ‘not enough’
Macleod added that creating a vaccine compensation scheme is “not enough” as a scheme that no one knows about or that does not work well does “not deliver for injured individuals”.
“In contrast, a properly designed well-functioning scheme can both provide redress and collect valuable information that can be used to inform our responses to pandemics.”