Vaccine-Injured Canadians Express Frustration Over Compensation Program’s Delayed Process and Poor Communication
Canadians injured by COVID-19 vaccines express frustration with the federal government’s vaccine injuries compensation program. They cite long wait times, poor communication from employees, and insufficient payouts as major concerns.
Scott Gorry, who developed myocarditis from the vaccine, shared his disappointment, saying, “It just leaves a bad taste in your mouth, and you kind of feel like you’re out on an island on your own.” He criticized the government for creating a program that fails to adequately support those who were injured.
VISP is available to all individuals vaccinated in Canada, except for those in Quebec who have their own program. Payment management for VISP has been outsourced to the private sector.
‘Seriously Underfunded’
In September 2021, Scott Gorry experienced myocarditis after his second COVID-19 vaccine dose. He expressed his frustration with the program’s slow response and inadequate support, highlighting the challenges faced by vaccine-injured individuals.
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Mr. Gorry faced numerous challenges after his vaccine injury, leading to a year-long application process with VISP. He criticized the program’s underfunding, inexperienced staff, and lack of communication with injured individuals who are not eligible for full support.
Despite some support from federal employees and MPs, Mr. Gorry highlighted the program’s shortcomings in providing adequate financial assistance to cover his medical expenses.
The latest update from VISP in December 2023 revealed that $11.2 million has been paid out, with a significant number of applications still pending review.
The spokesperson for VISP emphasized that each claim is individually assessed by medical experts to determine eligibility and financial support based on the injury’s severity and duration.
‘Frustrating and Unprofessional’
Ross Wightman, who experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome after his COVID-19 vaccine, shared his challenges with VISP, highlighting poor communication and delays in processing his claim.
Despite eventually receiving payouts close to the program’s limit, Mr. Wightman criticized the program for its unprofessionalism and lack of support for injured individuals.
High Turnover Rate for Case Workers
Shaun Mulldoon, who experienced severe complications after his AstraZeneca vaccine, faced significant health challenges and a lengthy, frustrating process with VISP before receiving financial compensation for his injuries.
In an ongoing battle to recover and seek adequate support, Mr. Mulldoon highlighted the program’s slow and convoluted process that added stress and financial burden to his recovery journey.
Mr. Mulldoon’s experience sheds light on the difficulties faced by many Canadians navigating VISP and its shortcomings in providing timely support to vaccine-injured individuals.
Employees ‘Dismissive and Rude’
Kristin Ditzel, who developed neurological issues after her vaccine, shared her harrowing experience with VISP, emphasizing the lack of social workers and unresponsive case workers who added to the challenges faced by injured individuals.
Despite receiving some compensation from VISP after a lengthy appeal process, Ms. Ditzel criticized the program’s lack of medical and social service expertise among its staff, resulting in poor communication and delays in processing claims.
