P.E.I. man, left debilitated after vaccine, misses out on deadline for compensation

A Prince Edward Island man is urging others to be aware of a federal program that provides compensation for serious and permanent injuries resulting from vaccines approved by Health Canada. Kent Gillespie, a former construction worker, cook, and painter, found himself in dire straits after missing the deadline for applying to the program.

Gillespie’s life took a drastic turn after receiving his first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. He began experiencing back pain and eventually lost control of his legs, leading to a hospitalization. Despite the unknown cause, he proceeded with his second vaccine shot, which triggered painful cramping in his hands that has persisted for four years. This has left him unable to work in any of his previous occupations, causing immense physical and emotional distress.

The Vaccine Injury Support Program was established by the federal government in December 2020 to assist individuals who suffer from severe and lasting injuries due to Health Canada-approved vaccines. By December 2024, the program had disbursed $16.6 million to 209 claimants out of 3,060 submissions. However, applicants must file within three years of symptom onset, a detail Gillespie was unaware of until it was too late. Despite his doctor’s support, his application was rejected due to the missed deadline.

The program, managed by Oxaro, aims to provide support to individuals with life-threatening or life-altering injuries resulting from vaccines administered in Canada after December 8, 2020. Claim processing typically takes 12 to 18 months, but could extend longer. Gillespie’s request for a review has been met with uncertainty, with the Public Health Agency of Canada cautioning that it could take years to resolve.

Despite reaching out to various authorities, including the Prime Minister’s office, Gillespie remains in a state of uncertainty. While the program offers a glimmer of hope for financial support and recognition of vaccine-induced injuries, the bureaucratic hurdles and time-consuming review processes have left him feeling defeated. As he grapples with the physical limitations imposed by his condition, Gillespie hopes for a resolution that would provide stability and enable him to care for his daughter and maintain his livelihood.