LONDON, April 16, 2026 – Baroness Hallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, today released a landmark report praising the UK’s vaccination programme as an “extraordinary feat” that saved an estimated 450,000 lives in England alone. However, the report also issued a stern warning: public trust is wavering, and the current system for supporting those harmed by vaccines is “not sufficiently supportive.”
A Tale of Two Successes: The UK Covid-19 Inquiry
The Inquiry’s “Module 4” findings highlight the vaccine and therapeutic programmes as the “success stories” of the pandemic. By June 2022, approximately 87% of the UK population over age 12 had received at least two doses. This rapid rollout is credited with preventing the total collapse of the NHS during subsequent waves of the virus.
The “Trust Gap” in Deprived Communities
Despite the overall success, the report identifies a significant “trust gap.” Take-up remained notably lower in areas of high deprivation and among certain ethnic minority communities.
“Governments and health services must work with communities to rebuild trust,” Baroness Hallett stated. For a city as diverse as London, this finding is particularly resonant, as local councils continue to struggle with health inequality in boroughs like Newham and Tower Hamlets.
UK Covid-19 Inquiry Calls for Urgent Reform
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the report is the critique of the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS). The Inquiry found the current scheme is outdated and fails to provide adequate support for the small percentage of individuals who suffered serious harm.
Key recommendations include:
- Streamlining the Claims Process: Reducing the “bureaucratic nightmare” for families seeking support.
- Increasing Financial Support: Adjusting payments to reflect the long-term economic impact on victims.
- Community Engagement: New mandates for local health boards to involve community leaders in future health crises.
What’s Next for the Inquiry?
Today’s report is just the beginning of a busy year for the Inquiry team. Further reports are expected throughout 2026:
- Summer 2026: Module 5 (Procurement)
- Autumn 2026: Module 6 (Care Sector) and Module 7 (Test, Trace, and Isolate)
For Londoners, this report serves as both a reminder of the city’s resilience and a call to action for fairer health policies.
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