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Roselyne SachitiFeatures, Health and Society Editor
• This is the first and only global vaccine injury compensation mechanism
• Latest programme makes compensation available to eligible individuals in 92 low- and middle-income countries without need to resort to law courts
• The programme is funded by a small levy on each dose supported by the Gavi COVAX AMC
As countries begin to receive Covid-19 vaccines under the COVAX facility, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Chubb Limited (NYSE: CB), through ESIS Inc., a Chubb company, have put in place the first and only global vaccine injury compensation mechanism.
Following the signing of an agreement for the administration of a no-fault compensation programme on February 17, 92 low- and middle-income countries and economies eligible for support via the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) of the COVAX Facility will benefit.
WHO said this being the first and only vaccine injury compensation mechanism operating on an international scale, the programme will offer eligible individuals in AMC-eligible countries and economies a fast, fair, robust and transparent process to receive compensation for rare but serious adverse events associated with COVAX-distributed vaccines until June 30 2022.According to WHO, by providing a no-fault lump-sum compensation in full and final settlement of any claims, the COVAX programme aims to significantly reduce the need for recourse to the law courts, a potentially lengthy and costly process.
WHO further said ESIS, as the independent administrator of the programme, was selected in accordance with the health body’s procurement rules and procedures, and charges no fees to applicants.
It further said all vaccines procured or distributed through the COVAX Facility receive regulatory approval or an emergency use authorisation to confirm their safety and efficacy.
However, as with all medicines, even vaccines that are approved for general use may, in rare cases, cause serious adverse reactions.WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has been matched by the largest ever rollout of new vaccines under the ACT-Accelerator and its vaccines pillar, COVAX. “This no-fault compensation mechanism helps to ensure that people in AMC-eligible countries and economies can benefit from the cutting-edge science that has delivered COVID-19 vaccines in record time,” said Dr Ghebreyesus. He added: “We are pleased to be collaborating with Chubb, which has the capabilities to support the COVAX facility through its global network and claims handling ability. WHO’s agreement with Chubb offers further protection and confidence in the life-saving power of vaccines.”Gavi chief executive officer, Dr Seth Berkley described the no fault compensation fund as a massive boost.“The No-Fault Compensation fund is a massive boost for COVAX’s goal of equitable global access to vaccines: by providing a robust, transparent and independent mechanism to settle serious adverse events it helps those in countries who might have such effects, manufacturers to roll out vaccines to countries faster, and is a key benefit for lower-income governments procuring vaccines through the Gavi COVAX AMC,” Dr Berkley said.
The COVAX no-fault compensation programme will be operationalised through its web portal (www.covaxclaims.com) by March 31 202. The portal will include resources such as the programme’s protocol, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and information on how to submit an application.
WHO said once the portal becomes operational, eligible individuals may apply for compensation under the programme, even if a COVAX-distributed vaccine is administered to them before March 31 2021.
The programme is financed initially through Gavi COVAX AMC donor funding, calculated as a levy charged on all doses of COVID-19 vaccines distributed through the COVAX facility to the AMC eligible economies until June 30 2022.
WHO is working with Chubb to secure insurance coverage for the programme with Chubb as lead insurer.
“Chubb is proud and honoured to work with the World Health Organisation and its partners on the critically important COVAX programme,” said Evan G. Greenberg, chairman and chief executive officer of Chubb. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on people and economies around the globe, and the development and deployment of efficacious vaccines is a crucial step toward ending this crisis. However, a vaccination strategy is only as effective as the number of people it reaches, which is why the COVAX facility is so critical. Access to the protection offered by a vaccine should not be limited or restricted. All countries, regardless of income levels, should have equal access to these life-saving vaccines.”
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