VIBJSY

Vaccine Damage Compensation Schemes

At the time of writing, individuals based on Jersey, impacted by the vaccines can still not access the UK Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme or Jersey's own scheme.

Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme - Jersey

At the time of the Covid Vaccine roll out in Jersey there was no access to the UK Vaccine Payment Scheme. It was confirmed by the UK Government that the supplier indemnity will remain in place. Thereby safeguarding suppliers of Vaccines against prosecution.

Jersey Government announced on 13th May 2024 that Jersey residents are now able to make applications to the UK Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme via the NHS Business Services Authority. Information, including the scheme’s eligibility criteria and how to make a claim, is available on its website at https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/vaccine-damage-payment-jersey.

Alternatively, application forms may be obtained by contacting the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme by:

Should you feel that you have been damaged from the Covid Vaccines or have lost a loved one from the covid vaccine you are able to seek payment under the scheme. It is however noted that the scheme is part of the UK scheme which does not appear to be fit for purpose. There are currently calls for the scheme to be reformed by those in the UK who have tried to claim but are not currently meeting the criteria of being “injured enough” or are having claims refused due to the inability to link their injures to the vaccine directly.

VIBJSY support the position of total reform of the current scheme as we do not believe that the current scheme in its existing form will support very few if any locals due to its outdated structure and criteria.

If you require further information on the application process, please contact the NHSBSA using the contact information above. Policy related queries should be directed to the Government of Jersey by emailing vaccinedamages@gov.je.

UK Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme

Data demonstrates that the UK Scheme has issues, making it difficult for the vast majority of vaccine-injured people to process claims successfully. Therefore, it is no surprise that the UK Vaccine Injury support groups are seeking urgent total reform. VIBJSY is concerned that the Jersey Government will roll out either the same scheme here in Jersey or arrange for the community to assess the UK scheme, which is not t for the purpose.

Currently, the UK scheme requires that you are assessed to have over 60% disability, which is attributed to the COVID-19 vaccine. It is also capped at £120,000, which is not sufficient. Many of the claims are being rejected due to “causation”.

Data shows that of 4,447 claimants whose claim does not relate to Vaccine Induced Immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) have been notified of an outcome.

Of the 4,447 claims:

It is, therefore, essential that the Government of Jersey hear from you. Your voice counts in how you want them to consider what should be put in place to help.

Have I been physically injured?

Many people have been unwell since receiving their COVID-19 vaccines. Some have mild symptoms; others are much more notable and often life-changing. If you have been impacted and want to talk to us about what you have been through to share with the non-judgement, you are welcome to contact us.

Are you suffering from mental health issues?

Our thoughts create how we feel, and when we are in a complex health situation, our thoughts can spiral out of control, rendering us unable to take positive steps forward.

The mental weight of the past years after 2020 should not be underestimated. The entire community has been impacted in various ways. Not all will have suffered injury, and those who have can often be left feeling misunderstood, disregarded, and not believed. These reactions can add further distress, so we must care for our minds, which will aid in our healing journey generally. Meditation can be a powerful tool. It gives us a little quiet time to escape the noise and can bring some rest and relaxation.

Breath work is another straightforward but effective tool we can each use for free to help us. Give yourself 5 minutes a day for a month to follow a structured breath work practice, such as the Wim Hof method, and see how you feel.

Switch the News Off! I can not stress this enough. The news is a simple and effective way to shift our emotions based on our thoughts to the negative. There is no balance to the reported news; the information presented is biased and loaded with negativity. Switch it off. It doesn’t help any of our mental health. Replace it with more uplifting options. Positive podcasts are something to consider.

Have you lost someone you love suddenly?

Having lost my father suddenly, I know first-hand the utter shock and disbelief that can follow such an unexpected death. We didn’t know about the process grief can take and how it can consume you and derail your life. It is difficult to describe how people who have lost someone suddenly can be left to try and make sense of what has happened and piece their lives together. Not everyone will understand this feeling and the following emotions: disbelief, shock, anger, heartbreak, numbness, loss of purpose and direction.

I would highly recommend anyone suffering from complex emotions of grief reach out to us for a chat. We are not registered counsellors, but we are human and understand.

Anyone who would like to get formal counselling can also explore other professional routes. Jersey Hospice runs counselling services for bereaved family members.

Other options available: https://www.gov.je/Health/Mental/pages/jerseytalkingtherapies.aspx#anchor-2