So far seven compensations for vaccination damages
In the event of side effects, anyone who has been vaccinated or dies in Austria can submit an application under the Vaccination Damage Act. Since the first coronavirus vaccinations in December 2020, 1,400 people have done so. The Ministry of Health confirmed on Friday that seven of those affected were granted claims as part of an administrative procedure. It shows clear health problems, such as heart muscle inflammation or thrombosis, reported the Ö1 morning journal.
Average 1,580 euros
Five people were awarded a one-off lump-sum cash benefit averaging EUR 1,580, while two people received a temporary pension averaging EUR 900. According to the Ministry, the procedure is free for data subjects and rules of evidence apply. The probability that the damage to health was caused by the vaccination is sufficient. Medical experts are consulted to assess the causality of the alleged damage to health.
In the case of recognized vaccination damage, the costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation or orthopedic measures can be covered. If after a vaccination there is a reduction in earning capacity of at least 20 percent for more than three months, there is an entitlement to a pension payment, which is due 14 times a year.
If, in addition to this, a need for care has arisen as a result of the vaccination, care allowances are also granted in addition to the pension benefit, also 14 times a year. If the vaccination has no permanent consequences, but causes serious bodily harm, a lump-sum payment will be made. Benefits under the Vaccination Damage Act are funded from the federal budget.
Majority mild to moderate
Suspected vaccination side effects are recorded by the Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (BASG). From the first coronavirus vaccinations on December 27, 2020 to July 22, 2022, 51,026 reports of probable side effects in temporal connection with the Covid 19 vaccination were received – with around 19 million vaccinations granted. The majority of these reports related to vaccination reactions, such as headaches, fever, fatigue or pain at the injection site, as described in the clinical trials of the vaccine approval process.
Most reports concern the vaccine from AstraZeneca (12.01 per 1,000 bites), the fewest from Biontech/Pfizer (1.67 per 1,000 bites). According to the BASG, this was probably related to the fact that this was granted to younger people in particular, who tend to have stronger vaccination reactions.
The BASG was notified of 290 deaths close to a coronavirus vaccination (224 Biontech/Pfizer, 26 Moderna, 36 AstraZeneca and four Janssen). In seven patients, the vaccination could be excluded on the basis of the autopsy report. In 20 people, the vaccination fell during the incubation period of a Covid 19 disease, during which the patients died. In 34 other existing serious previous illnesses, which were probably the cause of death.
“By many times greater benefit than risk”
Even before the coronavirus vaccination, the state assumed liability for vaccine damage in certain situations. In a statement, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the benefits of the coronavirus vaccination far outweigh the risk. According to the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) on Thursday, 20,485 people have died with an infection so far.
“Any approved Covid-19 vaccine is highly effective and well suited to prevent serious illness and death. The corona vaccination has already prevented many thousands of deaths in Austria alone and will continue to do so in the future. Every EU-wide approved vaccine goes through a “precise and responsible testing process”. When a vaccine has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Commission, you can be sure that it is a safe and effective vaccine.