The Canadian federal government has recently allocated an additional $36.4 million to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund, a program designed to support individuals who have experienced serious injuries or fatalities related to vaccines since the end of 2020. Here are the key details:
Purpose of the Fund:
- The program was established shortly after COVID-19 vaccines became available to the public.
- It provides financial compensation to people who suffered adverse effects due to Health Canada-approved vaccines.
- The goal is to assist those who were seriously impacted by vaccination.
Funding and Administration:
- The Liberal government initially earmarked $75 million for the first five years of the program.
- A private firm called OXARO manages the program and disburses valid claims originating outside of Quebec.
- To date, OXARO has received $56.2 million from Ottawa and has paid out $11.2 million in compensation.
- Quebec has its own vaccine injury compensation program, which received $7.75 million when the federal program launched.
Recent Funding Boost:
- As part of the federal budget, the government allocated an additional $36 million to OXARO and Quebec.
- This funding covers the next two years of the program.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada contracted OXARO to ensure an impartial claims process.
Eligibility and Claims:
- The program covers injuries and deaths associated with vaccines approved for any illness.
- Eligibility criteria include severe, life-threatening, or life-altering injuries resulting in disability, incapacity, birth defects, or death.
- The available statistics do not specify which vaccines were involved.
Rare Adverse Reactions:
- Serious adverse reactions to vaccines are extremely rare (affecting less than one in a million people).
- Nevertheless, the government recognizes its duty to provide support when such reactions occur.
- Ottawa has also made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for travel and federal public service employment.
In summary, the additional funding aims to ensure that those affected by vaccine-related injuries receive appropriate compensation while maintaining an impartial claims process. The program underscores the importance of vaccine safety and accountability in public health efforts.
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