§ Mr. RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what compensation has been paid to children who have suffered severe damage by vaccinations since 1970; [122160]
(2) what outstanding cases for compensation for severe damage resulting from childhood vaccinations there are; and what measures he is taking to draw these claims to a close. [122156]
§ Mr. BayleyThe Vaccine Damage payment scheme, which has been in place since 1979, provides a one-off payment to people severely disabled by vaccination against certain diseases. The scheme is not intended as compensation but is designed to ease the burdens of those suffering from vaccine damage, and their families. During the first six years of the scheme claims were accepted from people who had received vaccinations at any stage since 1948 (the creation of the NHS). The amounts payable since the inception of the scheme are as follows:
- £10,000 for claims made from 9 May 1978 until 15 August 1985
- £20,000 for claims made on or after 16 August 1985
- £30,000 for claims made on or after 15 April 1991
- £40,000 for claims made on or after 1 July 1998.
There are 29 claims for Vaccine Damage Payments outstanding and one awaiting a reconsideration. There are 46 appeals awaiting hearing with the Appeals Service. All cases are being actively considered by the Department's Vaccine Damage Payments Unit or the Appeals Service as appropriate.