Rise in compo claims from people including Victorian workers who had mandatory jabs for work

WorkSafe has accepted 130 Covid-19 vaccine-related claims from Victorian workers, with several claimants saying they are unlikely to ever fully recover.

The cost of WorkCover claims related to the Covid-19 vaccine continues to skyrocket in Victoria with more than $6.8m paid to workers who suffered reactions after getting the jab.

Figures released by WorkSafe Victoria confirm the number of people with proven illness related to vaccines has continued to grow – up from 125 in July to 130.

Of these, 28 people have not returned to work at all.

The Herald Sun understands dozens more have been unable to return to full-time duties.

There has been a rise in claims relating to the Covid-19 vaccine. Picture: Getty

Under state legislation, workers with a “significant ­reaction” such as severe fever, blood clots, allergic reactions, seizure or stroke can claim.

The cost of the WorkCover claims rose 55 per cent in just the past nine months, from $4.37m to $6.8m.

A WorkCover spokesman confirmed the figures, saying WorkSafe had accepted 130 Covid-19 vaccine-related claims from workers.

It’s understood the payouts cover costs such as loss of ­income and treatment, and will continue to grow. Those affected include Victorian workers who had mandatory jabs for work such as teachers, nurses, firefighters and paramedics.

The cost of the WorkCover claims rose 55 per cent in just the past nine months.

Given the stigma around vaccine injuries, few people have spoken publicly about their health battles.

The Herald Sun has spoken to multiple claimants who say they are unlikely to ever fully recover.

A vaccine mandate remains in place for certain health workers and firefighters in Victoria. The latest WorkCover figures come as thousands of Australians have fought to ­access compensation under the federal government’s Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme, which covers “a moderate to severe impact following an adverse reaction to a TGA-approved Covid-19 vaccine” that resulted in hospitalisation or death.

The vaccines include Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax (Moderna) and Nuvaxovid (Novavax).

Given continued demand for the scheme, in December the federal government ­extended the closing date.

Australians who have suffered vaccine injuries will be able to lodge claims for compensation under the Scheme until September 30.

Meanwhile, a class action with more than 500 applicants continues after it was filed in April by law firm NR Barbi Solicitor in the Federal Court.

The case is arguing negligence on behalf of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which approved the use of multiple vaccine brands during the pandemic.