Recommendation 32

Finally, we note that in setting up the vaccine programme the Department provided indemnities to vaccine manufacturers, which gave cover for future claims against producers for any adverse effects of their vaccines. These indemnities may add to the costs of the programme in the long term.80 We heard from one individual whose relative had suffered side-effects as a result of vaccination. Their evidence underlined the importance of having clear, prompt and adequate compensation. arrangements for people in need. The Department told us it had a substantial number of contingent liabilities related to 73 Q66; C&AG’s Report, paras 15 and 2.19 74 C&AG’s Report, para 1.9, Figure 1 75 Qq 71–73 76 Qq 1–4; RCP0008 Note dated March 2022 from the Company Chemists’ Association, page 6, and RCP0010 Note dated March 2022 from The Association of Directors of Public Health page 7–8 77 C&AG’s Report, paras 2, 1.16, Figure 1 78 RCP0010 Note dated March 2022 from The Association of Directors of Public Health, page 7 79 Qq 74–75 80 C&AG’s Report, para 1.8 18 The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine programme in England these indemnities and that it was seeking to reduce their value.81 The Committee will potentially want to know more about the Department’s arrangements and plans in this regard in due course.82 81 Qq 25–26 82 Q 27 The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine programme in England 19