To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claims under the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) have been made by people claiming damage by hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccines; for what reasons unsuccessful claimants for payment in respect of these vaccines have been informed that if they wish to appeal they must do so within six years; and for what reason hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are not included in the VDPS. (228905)

The Vaccine Damage Payments scheme only covers vaccines that are recommended as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. The scheme does not cover hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccines because they are not currently included in the childhood immunisation programme.

The Department does not collect information about the number of claims made by people claiming damage from hepatitis A or hepatitis B vaccines as this information is not required for the administration of the scheme.

People who make a vaccine damage payment claim in relation to vaccines not covered by the scheme are still given the right to appeal decisions they may disagree with. This practice helps ensure that customers have another opportunity to provide further information in support of their claim.