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The U.K. government has given Pfizer legal indemnity to protect the company from civil lawsuits that may arise from the new COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer began rolling out the vaccine this week, with the first dose going to a 90-year-old woman, NPR reported.
What Is Legal Indemnity?
Broadly, legal indemnity refers to an entity’s exemption from being liable for damages, according to Investopedia.
In other words, if a patient in the UK receives the COVID-19 vaccine and experiences any problems, they will not be able to sue Pfizer for damages.
The law has also been changed recently to grant special protections to Pfizer and other similar companies in order to protect them from lawsuits filed by patients who experience complications.
How Did Pfizer Get Legal Indemnity in the UK?
Pfizer’s legal indemnity reportedly came about thanks to a September government consultation.
The U.K. Department of Health and Social Care determined changes regarding civil liability were needed to ease Britain into widespread use of the vaccine.
The new Regulation 345 of the Human Medicines Regulations of 2012 protects Pfizer as well as health care workers distributing the COVID-19 vaccine from any civil liability, as long as any damages that come about do so through the vaccine’s recommended use, according to Jurist.
Speaking at a press conference last week, Pfizer’s U.K. managing director Ben Osborn didn’t offer any additional explanation as to why the company would need an indemnity, according to City A.M.
“We’re not actually disclosing any of the details around any of the aspects of that agreement and specifically around the liability clauses,” Osborn said.
COVID-19 Vaccine Added to Damages Scheme
In addition to the legal indemnity, the U.K. also has added COVID-19 to the Vaccine Damage Payments Scheme, Health Europa reported.
This precautionary measure means in the event patients experience severe disability as a result of the COVID-19 vaccine, they will be able to receive financial assistance.
The damages scheme was established to help those who, in reportedly rare circumstances, are harmed by receiving a government-recommended vaccination, according to Health Europa.
Under the scheme, patients can receive a one-time, tax-free sum of £120,000.
Other illnesses were previously added to the scheme, including swine flu (H1N1) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
The Pandemrix swine flu vaccine, administered in 2010, has since been shown to increase recipients’ risk of developing narcolepsy, Health Europa reported.
While no safety concerns have been reported for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) plans to keep the vaccine under continual review.
The government has also said it is changing the eligibility requirements for the scheme.
Typically the only vaccines covered are those administered as part of childhood immunizations. This policy will be changed to ensure adults in the U.K. or Isle of Man and those receiving medical treatment in the armed forces are covered.
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Underway
About 50 hospital hubs in England began offering Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine this week, City A.M. reported.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week said 800,000 doses of the vaccine would be rolled out beginning this week.
The U.K government has placed 377 million orders of seven vaccines; 40 million of those are the Pfizer vaccine — enough for 20 million people to be vaccinated, according to City A.M.
COVID-19 Vaccine Allergic Reactions Investigated
While no known safety concerns are associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, the U.K. is investigating after two National Health Services (NHS) workers vaccinated Tuesday experienced allergic reactions.
According to The Associated Press, the MHRA is investigating whether the reactions can be linked to Pfizer’s vaccine.
The two NHS workers, both of whom are recovering, had a history of allergies; their reactions have not been revealed.
More than 42,000 people reportedly received the jab during the vaccine’s late-stage trials, and none presented serious safety concerns.
Until the MHRA can make its determination, it has warned that anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction to a vaccination, medication or food should not receive the Pfizer vaccine, the AP reported. That warning also applies to anyone who carries an adrenaline shot or who experiences life-threatening allergic reactions.
The MHRA also advised the vaccine should not be administered in facilities lacking resuscitation equipment.
However, England’s NHS medical director, Stephen Powis, said these precautions are common, according to the AP.
“As is common with new vaccines the MHRA have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination after two people with a history of significant allergic reactions responded adversely yesterday,” Powis reportedly said in a statement. “Both are recovering well.”
Do you plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you? Has anyone you know gotten it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Check back daily for the most recent U.K. class action lawsuit and consumer protection news.
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