The UK government has pledged to review its vaccine injury compensation system after a public inquiry called for urgent reform, exposing how few applicants receive financial support despite thousands of claims.
Thousands of Claims, Few Successful Payments
More than 24,000 Covid-related claims have been submitted to the UK’s Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), yet only just over 1% have resulted in compensation, according to the BBC.
The scheme provides a one-time, tax-free payment of £120,000 to people who experience severe disability following vaccination, or to eligible families of those who have died.
The figures have intensified scrutiny of a system designed to provide financial support in cases of serious vaccine-related harm.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry found that the existing arrangements were “not sufficiently supportive” and called for urgent changes to how claims are assessed.
At the center of the criticism is a rule requiring applicants to demonstrate that they are at least 60% disabled to qualify for payment.
The inquiry concluded that this threshold does not work effectively for injuries associated with Covid-19 vaccines.
Government Promises Review but Offers No Clear Timetable
Following the inquiry’s findings, ministers committed to reviewing the compensation scheme to ensure it is “fit for purpose and delivered effectively.”
The government also promised to work with the UK’s devolved administrations, people affected by vaccine injuries, and bereaved families.
The announcement acknowledges concerns about the existing system, but it does not establish when revised eligibility criteria or other changes might take effect.
For campaigners who have spent years seeking reform, that distinction matters.
Vaccine Injured and Bereaved UK, an organization representing people affected by serious vaccine injuries and deaths, welcomed the government’s recognition of their experiences and the shortcomings of the compensation scheme.
But the group expressed frustration at the absence of a firm commitment to implementing changes.
“After more than five years of campaigning, and with the Covid-19 Inquiry explicitly calling for reform as soon as possible, we had hoped the Government would finally come forward with a clear commitment to action, not simply say it would look further at what needs to be done.”
The statement reflects growing concern that another review could prolong uncertainty for families already navigating the compensation process.
Today is a big day in our campaign. We hope the government finally acknowledges that vaccine injury and bereavement is real, and that they accept the Covid inquiry’s recommendations that the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme is not fit for purpose. It offers too little too, too late, to too few. #VDPSreform #Support #CovidInquiry. @BBCNews @5_News @Channel4News @SkyNews @Telegraph @DailyMail @itvnews
— VIBUK Official (@VIBUK_Official) October 16, 2026
Campaigners Demand Action, Not Another Review
The dispute now centers on whether the government will move beyond examining the scheme and commit to specific reforms.
Campaigners argue that recognizing the system’s shortcomings is not the same as establishing a workable solution.
“We understand that work may be needed to develop the reforms, but there is a real difference between saying you will look at something and committing to deliver it.”
The existing 60% disability requirement remains a particular point of concern because it determines whether applicants qualify for financial assistance.
The inquiry’s criticism has added pressure on ministers to reconsider how vaccine-related injuries are evaluated and whether the current payment arrangements adequately support affected families.
The campaign group also questioned how long applicants would have to wait before seeing practical results.
“Today, we have no clear timetable, no certainty about what will change and no assurance about when families will finally see meaningful progress.”
The government’s stated commitment is to review the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme in cooperation with affected families and the other UK nations. It has not announced a timetable for delivering the reforms.
