Covid jab’s very rare side-effects may be explored in public inquiry into pandemic

Very rare yet serious side-effects from the Covid vaccine could be explored in the forthcoming public inquiry into the pandemic.

It may also look into the struggle which affected families have faced in getting compensation.

Probe chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett wrote to the Prime Minister last Thursday outlining the key areas under scrutiny – including pandemic preparedness, lockdowns, testing, PPE and care homes – which he will have to sign off before the inquiry can begin.

The Mail on Sunday has learned that she also asked if her inquiry can cover deaths and life-changing side-effects from the jabs.

While multiple studies have shown Covid vaccines to be safe – with more than 53 million Britons having had at least one dose and nearly 40 million receiving three – a small minority of people suffered serious health problems including blood clots and inflammation in the heart.

Very rare yet serious side-effects from the Covid vaccine could be explored in the forthcoming public inquiry into the pandemic. Probe chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett (left) wrote to the Prime Minister last Thursday outlining the key areas under scrutiny – including pandemic preparedness, lockdowns, testing, PPE and care homes – which he will have to sign off before the inquiry can begin

The Mail on Sunday has learned that she also asked if her inquiry can cover deaths and life-changing side-effects from the jabs

In the UK, medical regulators have reported 438 blood clot cases and 79 deaths linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. 

More than 900 applications have now been filed for compensation over death or injury due to vaccines, with the total claims reaching £110 million. However, not a single payment has been made.

Sarah Moore, a solicitor at the Hausfeld law firm which is representing 95 victims, told The Mail on Sunday’s Medical Minefield podcast this week: ‘The vaccination programme has been hugely successful and we know, for the vast majority of us, it is also safe.

‘But there is a small group of people for whom it wasn’t safe. And far from giving them a way out of the pandemic, it’s delivered them into a sort of waking nightmare.’

Moore says those affected have been unable to access any form of payment because the vaccine damage payment scheme, which was set up in 1979, is outdated.

‘The scheme is there to say, look, you did the right thing. You stepped up to get vaccinated, you were really unlucky and we will help to support you financially. But it’s an antiquated system and can’t cope with the amount of people who have applied for compensation.’

The scheme allows a maximum payout of £120,000, but Moore said: ‘When you take into account a loss of earning, loss of pension, and ongoing care needs, that figure begins to look very inadequate.’