Nurse denied Covid vaccine injury payout after condition improves below disability threshold

In August 2020, nurse Marie-Claire Hoyle took part in the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine trial and shortly thereafter developed transverse myelitis, a rare spinal-cord inflammation that caused profound hand weakness, numbness and intense pain. An MRI confirmed lasting spinal damage, and she later settled a separate claim with Oxford University for a five-figure sum. Despite the acknowledged link to the vaccine, the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme rejected her claim for the £120,000 payout because her current disability rating fell below the required 60 percent.

Hoyle, who works as an NHS England network manager for high-consequence infectious diseases, says the scheme should use a sliding-scale approach that reflects persistent symptoms. Her case arrives as the Department of Health and Social Care weighs Baroness Hallett’s inquiry recommendations to reform the compensation system. The NHS Business Services Authority notes that rejected claims can be reassessed with new medical evidence.