Vaccine Damage Scheme Administration Costs Exceed £83 Million, Outstripping Payouts to Victims

The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) has incurred administrative costs and medical assessment fees exceeding £83 million since its inception in 1978. This figure stands in stark contrast to the £45 million paid out to individuals whose claims of vaccine-related severe disablement were successful.

Data released by the Department of Health and Social Care reveals that the scheme, intended to provide a one-off tax-free payment for those severely disabled by vaccinations, has struggled with its core function while accumulating substantial overheads. The National Health Service Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), responsible for VDPS administration since 2011, has spent approximately £10.3 million on managing the scheme, with a further £4.7 million allocated to medical assessments. These assessments are conducted by external providers.

Prior to 2011, the Department for Work and Pensions managed the VDPS, incurring £67.8 million in administrative costs and £1.1 million for medical reports. The scheme offers a fixed payment, currently £120,000, to applicants who can demonstrate a severe disablement of at least 60% due to a vaccination. Critics argue that the stringent 60% disablement threshold makes successful claims exceptionally difficult, leading to a high rejection rate.

The disparity between administrative expenditure and direct payments highlights persistent inefficiencies within a scheme ostensibly designed to support those harmed by public health initiatives. While government officials assert the scheme provides vital support, the financial imbalance suggests a significant portion of public funds is absorbed by bureaucracy rather than reaching the intended beneficiaries.