Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson pressured South Africa into implementing provisions that shielded the companies from claims over COVID-19 vaccine injuries, newly disclosed documents show.
Pfizer made the implementation of indemnification and a compensation fund part of its COVID-19 vaccine contract with South Africa, according to documents obtained by the Health Justice Initiative.
One document states that South Africa was agreeing to "Indemnify, defend, and hold harmless" Pfizer and its partner BioNTech, as well as their representatives, "From and against any and all suits, claims, actions, demands, losses, damages, liabilities, settlements, penalties, fines, costs and expenses" arising from claims resulting from the vaccine, including injuries.
"The department entered into these agreements to secure vaccine doses to protect the lives of South Africans against the deadly virus which claimed more than hundred thousand lives in South Africa."
Just a handful of vaccine injury claims have been paid out so far, South African Health Minister Joe Phaala said in June.
South Africa agreed to pay Pfizer $40 million up front for its vaccine.
South Africa could seek a refund of 50 percent of the payment if Pfizer did not deliver doses of its vaccine.
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