Overview

This bill mandates an independent review into disability caused by COVID-19 vaccines in the UK. The review will examine the extent of vaccine-related disabilities, the effectiveness of monitoring and responses, the adequacy of compensation, and the efficacy of existing compensation legislation. The review will also assess the costs and benefits of no-fault compensation and its impact on public confidence in vaccination programs.

Description

The bill requires the Secretary of State to appoint a High Court judge (current or former) within 30 days of the bill's passage to lead the independent review. The review must assess:

• The rates and extent of disability caused by each COVID-19 vaccine used in the UK.
• The effectiveness of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) monitoring of side effects, and the NHS and government's responses.
• The adequacy of compensation provided to those disabled by the vaccines.
• The effectiveness of the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979, particularly its 60% disability threshold.

The review must also assess the costs and benefits of providing compensation without proof of fault, considering its potential impact on public trust in vaccination programs. The appointed judge must submit a report with recommendations within 90 days of their appointment, with the government's response to follow within 30 days.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify the amount of government spending. The cost will depend on the scope of the review, the judge's fees, and any subsequent changes to the compensation scheme recommended by the report. Therefore, the financial implications are uncertain until the review is complete.

Groups Affected

This bill potentially affects:

• Individuals who believe they suffered disability from COVID-19 vaccines: They could benefit from improved compensation schemes or policy changes.
• The NHS and government agencies: They will face scrutiny of their processes and responses to vaccine side effects.
• The MHRA: Their vaccine safety monitoring will be reviewed.
• Taxpayers: The costs of the review and potential changes to compensation will ultimately be borne by them.
• The public: Public confidence in vaccination programs could be affected by the review's findings and recommendations.

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