Medicines Australia and RACGP welcome no fault COVID-19 indemnity scheme

Pharma News: Medicines Australia commends the Australian Government on the COVID-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme for anyone who experiences the very rare, serious side effects from a TGA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.

The announcement of this Scheme is another critical step in Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program and encouraging a high vaccinated population. The Scheme provides a safety net for those who receive the vaccine and for those who administer it, in the very rare case of a serious adverse side effect.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme offers protection to Australians receiving a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of where that vaccination occurs.

“Side effects, or adverse events, from COVID-19 vaccinations can occur, but most are mild and last no longer than a couple of days. Serious and life-threatening side effects are very rare, but it is important that we provide a safety net to support those affected,” Minister Hunt said.

“It also ensure 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.”

From 6 September 2021, Australians will be able to submit intentions to claim, backdated to February 2021. The Scheme will cover verified claims valued above $5,000 by a team of independent experts.

Medicines Australia provided recommendations to the Government last year, which formed part of the extensive consultation between peak medical, healthcare, business and insurance sectors.

“Australians have truly shown the values of selflessness and mateship as they have rolled up their sleeves in large numbers and received a vaccination against this deadly virus,” said Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer.

“If someone does experience an adverse side effect from a vaccination, these are normally short-term. But in the rare case that the effects are moderate or serious, Australians now have the option to seek compensation.”

“All parties who have been involved in the research, development, manufacturing and deployment of these COVID-19 vaccines have moved mountains to deliver safe, effective and quality vaccines. As well as shielding the employees and medical professionals who administer the vaccine, it is important that appropriate protection should also be extended to the manufacturers, distributors, or other entities who are involved in the development or deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

RACGP President Dr Karen Price welcomed it as a positive step forward.

“The RACGP, along with other medical groups, has been working closely with the Federal Government on the development of this scheme and I am very pleased to see it come to fruition,” she said.

“It’s really important that people receiving vaccines, as well as those administering them, including general practices, have a safety net of protection, even though we know adverse side effects are very rare.

“This scheme does just that. It is primarily to save patients having to go through complicated legal processes to seek compensation in the event of very rare side effects.

“GPs are the backbone of the vaccine rollout, delivering well over half of all vaccinations across Australia. It also provides peace of mind and protection for GPs working hard on the frontline of the vaccine rollout,” she added.