Government broadens the scope of no fault vaccination claims scheme

On 24 November 2021, the Australian Government modified the eligibility criteria of the national COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme, announcing that the threshold for making a claim will be reduced from $5,000 to $1,000.

Under the scheme, a person who suffers financial loss (such as lost wages or medical costs) of between $1,000 and $20,000 due to an adverse reaction from a COVID-19 vaccination, and is hospitalised for at least one night, is eligible to make a claim to have these costs reimbursed by the Commonwealth Government.

In the first instance claimants should register their intent to make a claim on the Department of Health website.

The Government is expected to shortly confirm the eligibility and evidence requirements for claims $20,000 and over, including death.

This article provides general commentary only. It is not legal advice. Before acting on the basis of any material contained in this article, seek professional advice.