PHAC Takes Over Vaccine Injury Support Program

0:00It's March 31st. This is Canada News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Canada's public health agency is now running the Vaccine Injury Support Program in-house. Starting this Wednesday, they take full control from Oxaro Inc. The outside firm accused of major delays and poor handling of claims for serious vaccine injuries. Launch back in 2020 to build trust in COVID shots, the program covers lasting harm from approved vaccines given after December 8th that, year. Claims had to come within three years, and since June 2021, 3,557 people filed. But only 234 got payouts, totaling $18 million for medical bills and loss wages. Oxaro spent $33.7 million out of $50.6 million on overhead, with folks waiting 12 to 24 months or getting, rejected outright. A global news probe last July exposed the mess, prompting a fast government audit that

1:01sealed the contractor's fate. Applicants vented frustration over the gridlock, saying it left them high and dry when they needed help most. PHAC vows quicker processing, reviews for old denials, a fresh appeal setup, and wiggle room on deadlines. An online portal drops April 1st, so claimants can track everything, keeping all ongoing cases alive, and aiming to deliver real support.