Summarised by Centrist
AstraZeneca, in partnership with the University of Oxford, is set to face a High Court battle as 35 alleged victims of the COVID vaccine seek compensation. The claimants argue that the vaccine is ‘defective’ and has caused complications linked to a newly identified condition called Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT), leading to blood clots.
At least 81 individuals have died due to complications related to this side effect, while hundreds have experienced illness. If AstraZeneca loses the legal battle, it could face compensation payouts of up to £80 million, making it one of the largest cases of its kind.
The claimants are suing under the Consumer Protection Act, alleging that the vaccine was not as safe as portrayed.
Tory MP Sir Jeremy Wright has urged the government to step in and address these cases, citing the need for public confidence in vaccine safety. The government had previously indemnified AstraZeneca and other vaccine manufacturers to facilitate the pandemic’s vaccine rollout.
Under the Vaccine Damage Payment scheme, certain vaccine recipients are entitled to a one-off compensation sum of £120,000 from the government. AstraZeneca maintains that its vaccine, Vaxzevria, meets regulatory standards and has an acceptable safety profile.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is not included in the UK’s booster program, with mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna being recommended instead.
