The Australian Government has announced the addition of new claimable conditions to the Scheme based on advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The changes are summarised in the tables below in respect of eligible conditions arising from vaccines administered. The changes to clinical conditions and vaccines accepted under the scheme can be claimed retrospectively in respect of eligible conditions arising from vaccines administered from the start of the vaccine roll-out on 22 February 2021.
| New conditions | Vaccine |
| Transverse Myelitis |
AstraZeneca |
| Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis without Thrombocytopenia |
AstraZeneca |
| Erythema Multiforme – Major | Moderna or Pfizer |
| Existing conditions |
Additional vaccine covered |
| Pericarditis | Novavax |
| Myocarditis | Novavax |
In addition to the new conditions, a clarification has been made to the treatment of demyelinating disorders. The changes clarify that the demyelinating disorders of Guillain Barre Syndrome and Transverse Myelitis are covered for AstraZeneca but other demyelinating disorders are no longer eligible. Claims which have already been submitted under the Scheme for other demyelinating disorders before 3 April 2023 will continue to be assessed by Services Australia under the Scheme Policy in operation before 3 April 2023.
Expanding the Scheme to include additional clinical conditions allows those who have suffered a moderate to serious adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccination the opportunity to seek compensation. The Scheme Policy provides that additional clinical conditions may be added to the Table of Conditions if new clinical conditions are added to the Product Information for the specific COVID-19 Vaccine and are verified by the TGA as a serious clinical condition to be covered under the Scheme. The Government will continue to proactively respond to the available medical evidence regarding serious adverse effects linked to COVID-19 vaccines.
Further information and guidance can be found via the links below:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme – Policy | Australian Government Department of
Health and Aged Care - COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme – Overview | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme – Guidance for conditions | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme – Guidance for injuries caused by vaccine
administration | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme – Frequently asked questions | Australian
Government Department of Health and Aged Care - COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme - Services Australia