COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme made more accessible
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The Morrison Government is reducing the claim threshold of the no fault COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme to enable more people access to compensation for costs associated with a vaccine injury.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme is designed to ensure that people who have suffered a recognised adverse event as a direct result of a COVID vaccine have rapid access to compensation. This aims to help residents get easier access, and can aid in recovery costs or livelihood expenses.
Reducing the threshold for access to the scheme from $5,000 to $1,000 will ensure more people can claim for eligible costs including lost earnings and care costs, providing greater levels of comfort to those yet to make the decision to vaccinate. Residents can now make claims easier, and without having to extend their financial situation, as opposed to the prior setup.
The Morrison Government has been considering this policy change for a number of weeks now. Mr Hunt states that he is grateful towards his colleagues and stakeholders who have contributed to this decision.
Australians will now have ready access to compensation from $1,000 for COVID-19 claims related to the administration of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved COVID-19 vaccine delivered through a Commonwealth Government approved program.
Most importantly, this provides additional support and confidence for Australians as part of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout as states reopen and lockdowns are lifted in time for the holidays. The government hopes this eases any concern for residents regarding the vaccines, especially after some local businesses have made vaccination mandatory of their employees.
Moving forward, the Morrison Government hopes that the lowering of the claims threshold encourages more folks to get the jab despite vaccine hesitancy to avoid further outbreaks.
Original content from The Hon Greg Hunt MP media page. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.
Nina Alvarez is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel. Her interests include writing, particularly about the healthcare sector and the many ways it can improve to further benefit people from all walks of life.
