Exclusive: Berliners submit the most applications for recognition of vaccine damage

In Berlin, more people than in any other federal state have claimed vaccine damage after a coronavirus vaccination . Since 2021, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs ( LaGeSo ) has received a total of 1,102 applications for recognition of vaccine damage. This represents just over 28 applications per 100,000 inhabitants – the average across all German federal states is only around 18 applications per 100,000 inhabitants.

In neighboring Brandenburg , according to information from the State Ministry of Social Affairs, only 423 people applied for recognition of coronavirus vaccine damage by the end of June this year. With just over 16 applications per 100,000 inhabitants, this is below average.

This is how many vaccine injuries were recognized in Berlin

Berlin also stands out in another respect: The recognition rate, at 11.4 percent, is higher than in all other states. However, only 272 applications have been finally decided upon so far, according to the LaGeSo (State Office for Health and Social Affairs). Of these, the state office recognized 31 vaccine injuries, and 241 applications were ultimately rejected. In 373 cases, the applications were not processed because other states were responsible, the applicants failed to cooperate in the processing, or withdrew their applications.

Several hundred cases are still ongoing, so the statistics are subject to change. Nevertheless, the difference is striking. On average, across all federal states, the social security offices have so far confirmed between five and six percent of the finally processed applications. The recognition rate in Berlin is therefore almost twice as high – unlike in Brandenburg. There, the authorities have so far completed 306 examinations, recognizing only eight vaccine-related injuries (2.6 percent), one of which was after an appeal.

The figures also show that, overall, very few people contact their social security office regarding vaccine injury. Recognition by the authorities is crucial for accessing certain government assistance. According to the Infection Protection Act, anyone who suffers a health impairment from officially recommended vaccinations is entitled to social security benefits. These include certain pension entitlements and reimbursement for assistive devices such as wheelchairs or barrier-free home modifications.

Recognition in post-vaccine syndrome particularly controversial

However, for recognition, those affected must demonstrate that their symptoms are sufficiently likely to be due to the vaccine. Many applications fail due to this causality – especially in cases of so-called post-vaccine syndrome, i.e., long-COVID-like symptoms after vaccination.

The Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI), the state-run institute responsible for vaccine monitoring, explicitly recognizes certain illnesses such as myocarditis, pericarditis, thrombosis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome (a neurological disorder) as consequences of vaccination. The PEI expresses serious doubts about "post-vaccine" complications. This assessment also plays a role in expert opinions commissioned by the social security offices as part of their audits. Many cases are only decided in court.

In Berlin, 47 lawsuits are currently pending from those affected whose applications for recognition of vaccine damage were rejected. Twelve lawsuits have been added this year alone, the LaGeSo (State Health and Social Services) reported in response to an inquiry by the Berliner Zeitung. In Brandenburg, according to the Ministry of Health in Potsdam, 36 plaintiffs are currently awaiting a verdict.