The Scheme commenced 6 September 2021 (with claims being able to be backdated to February 2021) and is administered by Services Australia, and provides individuals with access to a lump sum compensation amount in the event they have suffered side effects, or adverse events, following the recceipt of an Approved Vaccine.

The TGA will soon provide guidance on recognised adverse reactions as part of their established surveillance program.

The Scheme has two tiers:

1. Tier 1: Claims greater than $5,000 and less than $20,000:

Claimants need to:

• have been hospitalised for at least one night; and
• nominate they are seeking less than $20,000 and provide applicable evidence of:

   o the nature of the injury and medical documentation of its likely relationship to a COVID-19 vaccination
   o hospitalisation, due to a vaccine-related injury;
   o medical costs; and
   o lost wages.

2. Tier 2: Claims greater than $20,000:

The evidence requirements for tier 2 claims, including death, are still being developed by the Federal Government, and will be advised as part of additional information on the Scheme in the future. Claims relating to a death will not require evidence of hospitalisation