COVID Vaccine Injury Claims in Berlin and Brandenburg: 1,500 Applications Filed, Few Approved

In the regions of Berlin and Brandenburg, approximately 1,500 claims have been submitted for the recognition of vaccine-related injuries linked to COVID-19 vaccinations. However, the approval rate remains dismally low, with only a handful of applications granted recognition.

Since 2021, a total of 1,098 individuals in Berlin have sought acknowledgment for health issues that they attribute to the COVID-19 vaccine. According to a representative from the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso), only 18 of these claims have been accepted, while 193 have been rejected, and 334 have been redirected to other federal states. Additionally, two cases were closed due to the lack of cooperation from the applicants.

In Brandenburg, the situation is slightly different, with 417 claims filed. Of these, seven were recognized as valid, demonstrating a pronounced disparity in the approval process between the two regions.

Currently, around 550 applications in Berlin are still under review, a process that has proven to be lengthy and complex. It requires extensive medical documentation to be gathered and evaluated alongside expert assessments.

Individuals who suffer health complications as a result of vaccination are theoretically entitled to various forms of support, including medical treatment, assistance with healthcare costs, and ongoing financial aid, as stipulated by Lageso.

In Brandenburg, the local authority responsible for processing these claims is the State Office for Social Affairs and Supply (LASV). As of the end of April 2025, a total of 417 applications had been received, with decisions made on 316 of those. Here, 286 claims were denied, and 23 were passed on to the appropriate authorities in other regions.

As of mid-2024, approximately 1.7 million individuals in Brandenburg had received COVID-19 vaccinations, with around 5.2 million doses administered in total. At that point, 68% of the population had received at least one dose.

In Berlin, the total number of COVID-19 vaccinations administered has reached approximately 8.9 million, with nearly 2.9 million individuals, representing about 79% of the local population, having received at least a single dose.

Brandenburg's Health Minister, Britta Müller, has expressed concern regarding the difficulties faced by individuals seeking recognition for vaccine-related injuries. She emphasized the need for a more streamlined and destigmatized process for assessing and compensating vaccine injuries in Germany.

Despite the rarity of severe adverse reactions, the minister acknowledged that tragic cases do occur following vaccination, which must not be overlooked. Reported symptoms can include severe fatigue, physical weakness, headaches, and issues with sleep and concentration.

In response to the ongoing challenges, a network called 'Direna' has been established in Brandenburg to provide specialized diagnostic counseling and support, outlining potential treatment options for those affected. Similarly, in Berlin, a new advisory service has been launched to address social and employment-related inquiries for individuals suffering from post-viral syndromes, although it does not offer medical or legal advice. The Berlin Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians recommends that individuals first consult their general practitioners for such matters.