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The Federal Government has announced that it is establishing a Covid-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme that will be available to patients and health professionals during the vaccine rollout.
Creation of a fit-for-purpose medical indemnity scheme is aimed at helping to increase the vaccination uptake by assuring the public that health professionals – including GPs, nurses and pharmacists – administering vaccines as part of the Commonwealth vaccination program have appropriate indemnity coverage.
“In the event someone suffers a significant adverse reaction, causing injury and economic loss because of vaccination, the scheme will help guide potential claimants through a no-fault claims process scheme,” health minister Greg Hunt explained.
He said proven claims will be able to receive appropriate compensation without the need for formal court processes. However, anyone using the scheme will still have the option of pursuing action through a court judgement if they prefer.
The Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme is being backdated to the start of the national vaccine rollout – 22 February 2021 – and will be linked to the Human Biosecurity Emergency Period under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
The scheme will support claims made against privately practising health professionals who administer a vaccine approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
According to the Minister, the implementation responds to calls from peak bodies including the Australian Medical Association, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and medical indemnity insurers.
All have requested extended medical indemnity coverage for health professionals and their patients, given the unique nature of the pandemic and response.
The Federal Government said in a statement that details of the Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme will soon be finalised in consultation with peak bodies, indemnity insurers, patient groups and states and territories.
“To further support the choice of people considering their vaccine options, from 29 June the Government [has extended] two Medicare items that allow GPs and other medical practitioners to provide in-depth clinical assessments of a patient’s individual health risks and benefits,” Hunt said.
These Medicare items are already available for patients aged 50 years and over, and will now be available for all patients, regardless of age.