A woman whose partner died following complications with AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine jab has received compensation, the BBC reports. Vikki Spit was awarded £120,000 after her fiance Zion, 48, of Alston, Cumbria, fell ill eight days after having his injection in May 2021.
The 38-year-old, though, has questioned the payment – said to be the maximum settlement awarded – believing she should have had nearer £180,000. Having got into debt following the loss of Zion's earnings, Spit also criticised the length of time to receive the compensation.
Under the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme 1979, payments are made available to anyone who has become disabled and you can apply on behalf of someone who has died. Following his jab, Zion experienced crippling headaches on May 13, before he died six days later in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
A coroner revealed on his death certificate that he had indeed died from complications from the vaccine. She said: "I am still heartbroken by the sudden loss of my partner of 21 years, and alongside this emotional trauma.
"I have also been faced with financial hardship as a result of the loss of Zion's contribution to household finances. There just isn't the proper financial aid coming from the government to support those who have lost family to the vaccine."
The scheme offers one-off, tax-free totals of up to £120,000 but it can have implications for their benefits. It took the NHS Business Services Authority, the Newcastle-based administrators of the compensation scheme, until June 17 this year to make the award.
Spit believes she should be entitled to nearer £180,000 to account for Zion's earnings and the compensation didn't take into account inflation.
James Bell, medical negligence partner at Hodge Jones and Allen, said: "While I am glad that Vikki has been able to receive some restitution for the hardship she has faced as a result of Zion's death, the scheme simply isn't fit for purpose."
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