HC Deb 22 January 1990 vol 165 cc551-2W
Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of children receiving immunisations have suffered vaccine damage, in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; how many received compensation; and what was the total amount of compensation paid each year.

Mr. Freeman

Information is not available in the form requested, but in the last 10 years over 25 million childhood vaccinations have been given. Over the same period there were 556 successful claims for a vaccine damage payment. The table sets out the numbers of awards and the expenditure of the scheme.

Vaccine Damage Payments Scheme:

Number of Awards and Expenditure 1980 to 1989
Year Awards Expenditure

(£)
1980 1273 2,730,000
1981 1109 1,090,000
1982 1 45 450,000
1983 42 2670,000
1984 29 2440,000
1985 26 2220,000
1986 15 2240,000
1987 10 2290,000
1988 4 2140,000
1989 3 2 70,000
1 Figures are for the number of payments made in these years.
2 Includes payments in respect of awards made in earlier years.

Vaccine damage payments are not compensation-that is an entirely separate matter to be pursued in the courts.

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