Compensation scheme for Covid vaccination damage (FOI)

​Request

How was it decided that Jersey would not set up a vaccination damage programme for people damaged by the Covid jab?  Also, why was it decided not to have our own compensation scheme when Jersey ws aware that the UK scheme would not cover people's vaccination in Jersey?

Response

Ministerial responsibility for vaccination policy rests within the Minister for Health and Social Services.  As published on www.gov.je in response to a previous Freedom of Information request, in the absence of a scheme, the then Minister for Health and Social Services recognised that, “In the event that the COVID-19 vaccine results in a Jersey resident suffering any kind of injury as a result of unforeseen side effects of the vaccine then it is possible that a claim would be made against the Government of Jersey as well as the manufacturer or supplier of the vaccine.”  This was a factual statement of the position at the time. Please see the link below: 

Adverse reaction compensation scheme (FOI)

The Government of Jersey is continuing to work with UK counterparts to enable Jersey residents to access the national Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.  It is anticipated that details will be released shortly on how Jersey residents may access the scheme.