Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme

Updated 3 October 2024

The Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme was introduced by the Federal government on 9 December 2021. The scheme is designed to provide compensation to people who have suffered a moderate to significant adverse reaction to an approved Covid-19 vaccine.

We provide free advice for people considering lodging a claim and we run claims on a "no win no fee" basis.

Call 1300 700 761 for free advice about your options

Who can claim?

You may have a claim if you have suffered Covid-19 vaccine administration related harm; that is, an adverse reaction to the vaccine.

You must be able to demonstrate you suffered:

• a clinically diagnosed physical injury giving rise to permanent impairment; or
• the need for an extended period of medical treatment.

Importantly, psychological distress/injury is excluded.

Your injury must have been sustained during the administration of a Covid-19 vaccine and you need to demonstrate that the injury is most likely caused by the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine and “less likely” caused by other circumstances.

Call 1300 700 761 for free advice about your options

What injuries are covered?

If any of the following injuries arose after your Covid 19 vaccination, you may have a claim.

• Anaphylactic reaction as a result of AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna.
• Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome as a result of AstraZeneca.
• Myocarditis as a result of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax.
• Pericarditis as a result of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax.
• Pericarditis as a result of Pfizer and Moderna.
• Capillary leak syndrome as a result of AstraZeneca.
• Demyelinating disorders, including Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS)
• Thrombocytopenia, including immune Thrombocytopenia, identified as a final diagnosis as a result of AstraZeneca.
• Transverse Myelitis (AstraZeneca)
• Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis without Thrombocytopenia (AstraZeneca)
• Erythema Multiforme – Major (Moderna and Pfizer).

Exclusions

It should be noted that the scheme specifically excludes a number of conditions such as:

• • headache;
  • fatigue;
  • dizziness;
  • diarrhoea;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting;
  • anxiety related conditions; and
  • lethargy, unless any of them form part of a diagnosed condition.

What compensation is available?

Compensation is dependent upon the category you fall into. Generally, you are entitled lost wages, care services and medical expenses in the past and future. In addition to this, you may also be entitled to a pain and suffering payment.

It is crucial that you obtain legal advice to ensure that a careful and thorough analysis of the amounts claimable is undertaken. We make sure you are classified into the appropriate category and your entitlements are maximised.

Call 1300 700 761 for free advice about your options

How long do I have to claim?

The Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme ended on 30 September 2024 and is no longer accepting new applications.

I have lodged my own claim or have a decision I am unhappy with; can I seek legal advice?

If you have lodged your own claim with the scheme and are unsure or unhappy with the progress of the application or you have received an offer from the scheme, you can contact Guardian Injury Law for advice.

We are experienced in taking over Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme applications and maximising our clients’ entitlements.

We are also able to act on your behalf with regard to seeking a review of any decision made by the scheme, whether that be an offer of compensation or a decline/rejection of your claim.

Call 1300 700 761 to start your claim

Why should I engage a lawyer?

Engaging a lawyer to act on your behalf with regards to your Covid-19 Vaccine Scheme application is essential, as the amount of pain and suffering compensation you are entitled to is directly related to your claimed loss, both medical and financial.

Further, determinations by the scheme are done solely “on the papers” meaning that applications need to be thorough and considered so as to not miss any vital elements of the claim. You cannot add further detail after your claim is lodged.

It’s crucial to get it right, first time. It’s a complex calculation to ensure all your losses (current and future) are included in your claim.

At Guardian Injury Law we are experts at undertaking careful analysis of your past and future loss to ensure every amount is taken into consideration to maximise your entitlements.

Who pays my legal costs?

The scheme states that they will not pay the legal costs associated with engaging a lawyer to prepare and lodge a claim on behalf of a claimant.

At Guardian Injury Law we understand the financial difficulty our clients are often experiencing and for this reason, we undertake our work on a "no win, no fee or expenses" basis.

This means, that you will only pay for our work if you are successful.

Before we commence working on your case, we will provide you with a cost agreement that will set out our fees in the event you are successful, so that you will know exactly where you stand. Learn more about how we charge our fees here.

Call 1300 700 761 to start your claim