The government is proposing compensation for the harmful effects of COVID
STA, 19 November 2021 – The government has proposed a compensation scheme for those who have suffered serious health damage as a result of the Covid-19 vaccine. “The introduction of liability for damages is key to maintaining confidence in vaccines and ensuring the effective implementation of the national vaccination program,” Health Minister Poklukar said on Friday.
As with all medicines, vaccines can in very rare cases cause serious side effects, but the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks of serious consequences.
The government is therefore proposing compensation for people who have suffered damage to health due to the use of temporarily permitted anti-Covid-19 drugs.
Damage caused by professional inaccuracies in vaccination or inadequate vaccine quality will not be covered, Health Minister Poklukar explained at a press conference on Friday.
Compensation would apply in cases where vaccination or treatment has lasting and serious health consequences. Eligibility would be assessed by a special commission.
Under the Infectious Diseases Act, € 60,000 in compensation would be paid to those who would suffer a serious and permanent deterioration in vital functions after vaccination.
Parents of a child or spouse or civil partner of a person who died after vaccination would receive € 10,000, and minor children of a person who died after vaccination would receive € 20,000.
The proposed compensation scheme was included in a draft law on additional measures against the covid-19 epidemic and its consequences, which was approved by the government today.
The legislation stipulates that the Ministry of Health should be able to instruct institutions within the public health network to give priority to treatment according to needs.
The financing of distance treatment and the possibility of using sick leave without a certificate of authorized absence is extended until 28.2.2022.
The government is also proposing more detailed regulation of the Cured-Vaccinated-Tested (PCT) protocol, rules on wearing masks and other measures to control the epidemic.
Poklukar said the proposed law would allow the government to issue a regulation in a situation such as now, when there is a serious danger of the rapid spread of a contagious disease and some issues are not regulated by existing legislation.