A number of media outlets are reporting that the Morrison government has given the suppliers of two COVID-19 vaccines indemnity against prosecution for rare side effects. The reporting is not as precise as it could have been, referring to both prosecutions and indemnity, however one article says:
“As part of its $1.7 billion deals to secure more than 84.8 million doses of the Oxford University and University of Queensland vaccines if successful, the federal government has indemnified the suppliers – meaning they cannot be held liable for adverse events caused by the vaccines.”
“But the government has rejected calls to set up a no-fault vaccine injury compensation scheme, instead opting to pick up the bill for any compensation payout if a member of the public takes legal action against the drug companies.”