The Insurance Council of Australia has welcomed today's announcement by Health Minister Greg Hunt detailing the new no fault COVID-19 vaccine claim scheme.
The Insurance Council and its members have advocated for some time for no fault indemnity to further support health professionals as they undertake the important work of vaccinating the community against COVID-19.
The ICA has worked closely with the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in bringing to Government the perspectives of our respective industries.
As the vaccine program expands, today's announcement provides in-principle assurance that legal risks for health professionals and related businesses involved in the administration of the vaccine have been identified and addressed.
The ICA looks forward to working with the Government to ensure the scheme operates as intended.
Quote attributable to ICA CEO Andrew Hall:
The COVID-19 mass vaccination program is a large and complex undertaking in a rapidly evolving environment.
The ICA has been working with its members in the healthcare indemnity sector, Government and other stakeholders such as the AMA and ACCI to ensure that risks for professionals involved in the administration of the vaccine are identified and addressed.
Many insurers are interested in facilitating workplace vaccine programs similar to the annual flu shot once they are able to access this via registered medical providers.
Today's announcement assists in supporting workplace vaccination programs which will help bring the community closer to reaching vaccination threshold targets.
