Introduction
There are various remedies available for those who have suffered myocarditis or pericarditis following an injection of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. At Taylor Hampton, we offer expert legal assistance and advice in relation to obtaining remedies to compensate you for your injuries.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech manufactured and supplied an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, commercially known as ‘Comirnaty’. The vaccine was first authorised for deployment in the UK in December 2020 under Regulation 174 of the Human Medicine Regulations 2012. It was vital in providing protection and immunity to those vulnerable to COVID-19.
However, despite the success of the vaccine in providing protection from COVID-19, a small number of individuals have experienced significant injuries as a direct result of their vaccination.
Myocarditis and Pericarditis
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle which is typically caused by a viral infection. This inflammation can disrupt blood supply and damage blood vessels causing clots to form, which can increase the risks of heart attacks or strokes. Other tissues and organs may also be effected due to an inadequate blood supply. Pericarditis is similar although it relates to inflammation of the lining of the heart. It is also typically caused by a viral infection.
Side effects from vaccines are known as ‘Adverse Drug Reactions’ (‘ADR’). Following the rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, reports of a link between the vaccine and myocarditis and pericarditis began to emerge.
Since then, a number of scientific studies have suggested there is an increased risk of suffering from myocarditis and pericarditis following a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. Expert evidence in relation to a link between the conditions and the vaccine was presented at the COVID-19 Inquiry. The Inquiry is due to address findings in relation to COVID-19 vaccines in a report due on 16 April 2026.
Both conditions are now listed as “very rare” ADRs on the product’s labelling, meaning that 1 in 100,000 people may be at risk of either myocarditis or pericarditis following an injection of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Research suggests that it is more likely to occur in younger males after a second dosage.
It is important to remember that myocarditis and pericarditis can also occur as a result of a COVID-19 infection itself.
Obtaining compensation
If you suffer or have suffered from either myocarditis or pericarditis and took the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, you may wish to make an application to the Vaccine Damages Payment Scheme to obtain a one-off, tax-free payment of £120,000.
Applications are made through an online portal and are assessed by a medical assessor. To be found eligible for the Scheme, an applicant must pass a ‘causation’ and ‘disablement’ threshold; that is, on the balance of probabilities the vaccine is deemed to have caused the myocarditis or pericarditis and this has resulted in disabling injuries to you of at least 60%.
The time limit to make an application to the Scheme is 6 years from vaccination.
A successful decision will be impacted by the information and evidence provided in the application as well as up to date clinical research. At Taylor Hampton, we are able to provide expert assistance in making applications to the Scheme.
Even if you are successful in obtaining an award under the VDPS, this does not preclude you from bringing separate civil action. You may wish to make a claim for your injuries under s. 2 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, where you can obtain payment in the form of damages. However, a shorter limitation period applies; claimants must bring claim 3 years from the date of their injury or date of knowledge of their injury.
For more information on how we can assist you in making an application to the VDPS or bringing a civil claim, click here.
Contact us
Taylor Hampton provides expert legal advice to those seeking compensation following issues with medical products. If you are looking for legal advice in relation to your injuries, you can contact us here. In the appropriate case, we can provide representation under a no win, no fee arrangement.
The personal injury and vaccine injury team at Taylor Hampton is led by Anna Johnston.