New Covid vaccine compensation scheme could be set up for people who say they have been ‘left disabled’ after shots – amid complaints existing system is ‘overwhelmed’

A Covid vaccine compensation scheme could be set up for people who claim to have been “left disabled” by the attack.

Wes Streeting, the health secretary, is considering the new program to help those now suffering from life-changing conditions as a result of taking the AstraZeneca test.

This comes amid calls for a review of the existing scheme, the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), as there are concerns it cannot cope with a high volume of claims, which latest figures put at more than 15,000.

Those affected are keen to see the scheme, which was originally set up in 1979, reform its eligibility criteria and payment structure as they claim it is “no longer fit for purpose”.

While thousands of people have been turned away by medical assessors who say there is insufficient evidence the kick caused injury, payouts of £120,000 have been handed out in 175 cases – less than two per cent of those who applied .

Claimants were awarded payments for conditions including dangerous blood clots, inflammation of the spinal cord, excessive swelling of the vaccinated limb and facial paralysis, as well as strokes and heart attacks.

A staggering 97% of claims of success relate to AstraZeneca’s vaccine, with only a handful of claims from Pfizer or Moderna, according to Freedom of Information requests made by The Telegraph.

One of the key criticisms cited by campaigners is the all-or-nothing payment of £120,000.

They argue that the payment does not go far enough for those with the most severe disabilities from a vaccine injury, such as those who have suffered brain damage, are unable to work and face ongoing care costs for the rest of their lives .

However, those who receive a payment under the scheme can still bring private legal actions against the Government to secure more damages.

Sir Jeremy Wright MP, the shadow attorney general, said: “If you are in the very small minority of those injured (by the Covid vaccine), those people have a right to expect the state to look after them properly – they were just doing what the state asked them to do.

Participants note that the figure of £120,000 was set in 2007 and has not kept pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.

According to Bank of England figures, if the amount had increased with inflation payments, it would now be just over £195,000.

Another criticism is the time it takes victims to receive payment.

MailOnline spoke to some successful claimants who had to wait almost two years to see a penny of the £120,000.

They said this added to the stress of not being able to work because of their disability and having to rely on their savings to survive.

Others have previously told this site how year-long delays have left them with no choice but to sell their homes and rely on food banks.

And for some families, surviving on benefits such as Universal Credit following the death or disability of a main breadwinner from a knock-on injury, this state support has been reduced or removed entirely, with the Government classifying £120,000 as ‘income “.

But some Brits never see a penny, because of the 60 per cent cap on the disability scheme.

Those injured by a vaccine must either be killed or at least 60% disabled from their injuries, as assessed by a doctor, for them or their families to get money.

The feature, described as “cruel” by critics, means Britons with minor but potentially life-changing injuries get nothing.

Astrazeneca is being sued in a class action alleging the jab, developed with the University of Oxford, has caused death and serious injury in dozens of cases. The government has indemnified AstraZeneca against any legal action but has so far declined to intervene.