Kerry Hurt is still waiting for financial support seven months after being left paralysed from a COVID-19 vaccine and said the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) “needs to be simplified”.
Mrs Hurt, from Rotherham, had her first dose of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine on 1 April 2021.
After becoming increasingly unwell with headaches and watering eyes, Kerry was taken to Hallamshire Hospital for surgery on what was discovered to be a bleed on her brain.
On 13 April 2021, Mrs Hurt suffered a major stroke, resulting in a further two life saving surgeries.
She also had to have part of her skull removed.
Her husband Patrick filled in forms for the vaccine payment scheme whilst Kerry was still in hospital, and doctors said they should be given the limit of £120000, but they are yet to hear anything back.
Kerry is still partially paralysed on her left side.
Following improvements, Kerry began to start walking again, but is paying for private physiotherapy alongside her NHS treatment.
Kerry said she wants to see a change to the scheme, which hasn’t been updated since 1979.
Kerry said: “It’s not about the money, it’s about them reviewing it.”
Mrs Hurt’s application has now been passed from the DWP to the NHS for investigation.
Kerry wants the process to be simplified for other families who have been affected by illness from vaccines.
She said: “I feel that I’m fortunate that I’m still here.
“I know a lot of families that have lost loved ones, that have actually died from this, so how are they going to manage?”
The couple said they put together a petition to have the scheme viewed in the House of Parliament, but the issue was never raised.
The scheme requires proof that the person affected has suffered 60% injuries, but Kerry said this is difficult to pin down.
Husband Pat said: “I’m hoping to go back to work in January.
“Kerry can walk but it’s baby steps. It’s been quite a rollercoaster.”
