The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) has issued a second payment in compensation for damages following a COVID-19 vaccination, according to reports from SRF News on February 13, 2026. The payment acknowledges a causal link between the vaccination and the recipient’s health complications, a determination reached after extensive review.
The BAG has now processed 300 of 408 claims submitted for vaccine-related injuries as of early 2026, with two claims approved for compensation. The agency has stated that payments are typically made within three years of receiving a claim, and continues to evaluate new submissions. The process of establishing a definitive causal connection between vaccination and adverse health effects has proven to be a significant challenge, requiring careful consideration by the BAG.
The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled in October 2025 that doctors are not liable for potential damages resulting from COVID-19 vaccinations. This decision clarifies the legal responsibilities surrounding vaccine administration and potential adverse reactions.
The German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has provided information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, emphasizing their contribution to a relatively mild course of the pandemic in Germany. The BMG acknowledges that, while rare, serious side effects and complications can occur following vaccination, and provides information on legal recourse for those affected. The ministry notes that the virus is transitioning to an endemic, wave-like pattern, with milder infections due to Omicron variants and high population immunity from vaccination and prior infection.
According to the BMG, the safety of COVID-19 vaccines is continuously monitored by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI) in coordination with the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Over 197 million vaccine doses have been administered, providing a substantial data set for assessing vaccine safety. The BMG also highlights the potential for COVID-19 vaccination to offer some protection against Long COVID, citing various studies.
The BMG’s website provides information on vaccine side effects, distinguishing between expected immune responses (such as fever or localized pain) and adverse reactions. The site also details the legal framework for claiming compensation for vaccine-related injuries.
The Swiss BAG’s cautious approach to approving compensation claims underscores the difficulty in definitively linking vaccinations to health problems. While data suggests that the incidence of side effects from COVID-19 vaccines is comparable to other vaccines, the issue remains sensitive, with some groups attributing a range of health issues to the vaccine. The BAG continues to assess claims as they are submitted.
