OTTAWA , Canada’s Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP) is facing renewed criticism, with some calling it a “breach of trust” and a systemic failure that leaves vaccine-injured Canadians struggling to receive adequate compensation. The program, designed to provide financial support to individuals who experience rare but serious adverse events following vaccination, has been plagued by delays, denials, and a perceived lack of transparency, according to patient advocates and legal experts.
Setting the Scene: The VISP was launched in December 2020, amidst the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. The aim was to provide a no-fault mechanism to support individuals who suffered permanent and serious injuries as a result of Health Canada-approved vaccines administered in Canada. To date, the program has received hundreds of claims, but the number of successful applications remains comparatively low, fueling discontent and allegations of systemic issues.
Gradual Buildup: One of the main criticisms leveled against the VISP is the program’s stringent eligibility criteria. To qualify for compensation, applicants must demonstrate a “serious and permanent injury” resulting from the vaccine. This determination is made by an independent medical review board. However, many applicants find the evidentiary burden to be exceptionally high, requiring extensive documentation and expert medical opinions, which can be costly and time-consuming to obtain. “The process is incredibly arduous,” says lawyer Amanda Thomason, who represents several VISP applicants. “The deck is stacked against those who are already dealing with significant health challenges.”
Critics also point to the program’s protracted timelines for processing claims. Some applicants have waited years for a decision, leaving them in financial limbo and struggling to cover medical expenses. “We were told that the process would take six to eight months,” says Michael Henderson, whose wife developed a debilitating neurological condition after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. “It’s been over two years, and we’re still waiting. The stress is unimaginable.” He added, “It happened when no one was watching,” referring to the initial symptoms that appeared minor and were dismissed.
Adding to the frustration is a perception of opacity surrounding the decision-making process. Applicants often receive little explanation for why their claims are denied, making it difficult to appeal or gather additional evidence. This lack of transparency has led to calls for greater accountability and oversight of the VISP.
“The program is not functioning as it should,” says Senator Kim Pate, a vocal critic of the VISP. “It’s creating more harm than good. We need a system that is compassionate, transparent, and efficient , one that actually supports Canadians who have been injured by vaccines.”
The impact of the VISP’s perceived failures extends beyond individual applicants. It also erodes public trust in vaccination programs, which are essential for protecting public health. When individuals feel that they will not be supported if they experience an adverse reaction to a vaccine, they may be less likely to get vaccinated, putting themselves and others at risk. A recent post on X.com by a user with the handle @VaccineTruthNow echoed this sentiment: “Why get the shot if the government won’t even help you if something goes wrong? #VISPFailure #VaccineInjured”
Climactic Moment: The issue came to a head this week with the release of a scathing report by the Standing Committee on Health, which concluded that the VISP is “inadequate” and “fails to meet the needs of vaccine-injured Canadians.” The report called for a comprehensive review of the program, including the eligibility criteria, the assessment process, and the levels of compensation offered. The committee also recommended greater transparency and improved communication with applicants.
- Key Criticisms of VISP:
- Stringent eligibility criteria
- Lengthy processing times
- Lack of transparency
- Inadequate compensation
The federal government has acknowledged the concerns raised in the report and has pledged to take action to improve the VISP. However, critics remain skeptical, arguing that systemic changes are needed to address the fundamental flaws in the program. “We need a complete overhaul of the VISP,” says Thomason. “Cosmetic changes won’t cut it. This is about ensuring that Canadians who have been injured by vaccines receive the support they deserve.” The Minster of Health issued a statement through Facebook promising to work with stakeholders to address the concerns but offered no concrete timeline for implementation. She highlited the complexities involed in adjudicating such claims.
The debate over the VISP raises broader questions about the government’s responsibility to support individuals who experience adverse events following medical interventions. As vaccination programs become increasingly widespread, it is imperative that governments establish robust and equitable compensation mechanisms to ensure that those who are injured are not left behind. The future of the VISP, and the trust Canadians place in vaccination programs, hangs in the balance.
While some argue that the vaccine is a public service and those who have experienced injuries should be financially covered, others point out to the lack of proper resources and medical staff to attend to the growing demands. It’s an issue that has deeply divided public opinion and ignited fierce debates on social media.