Canada Just Launched A ‘Vaccine Injury Support Program’ & Here's What You Need To Know

The Public Health Agency of Canada has formally launched the Vaccine Injury Support Program, federal officials announced on Tuesday.

In a notice shared on Twitter, Canada's chief public health officer confirmed that the program is active as of June 1 and offers compensation to Canadians who experience "a serious and permanent injury after receiving a Health Canada authorized vaccine."

Canadians will qualify for the support "if it is determined that [they] have experienced a serious and permanent injury after receiving a Health Canada-authorized vaccine, administered in Canada on or after December 8, 2020," explained the government.

It's also available to dependents of Canadians who have died after vaccination.

The type of financial support on offer includes income replacement, payment for injuries, death benefits and funeral expenses and related eligible costs, such as uncovered medical expenses. All claims must be submitted online.

Back in December 2020, the federal government announced plans to create the Vaccine Injury Support Program. Although the program was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, it does not apply exclusively to COVID-19 vaccines.

The Government of Canada adds that serious side effects are "rare," and "only vaccines that are proven to be safe, effective and of high quality are approved for use in Canada."

This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.