The Conflict Analytics Lab is delighted to announce the release of its first iteration of “Vaccine Mediator”, our newest flagship tool. Vaccine Mediator was developed in collaboration with our partners at the British Institute for Internation & Comparative Law (BIICL), Université Paris-Dauphine, and Oxford University to help streamline COVID-19 vaccine self-reporting and compensation claims in countries that lack a pre-existing reporting system.
Ontario recently expanded eligibility to book a first dose vaccine appointment to all residents. As the pandemic and vaccine rollout continues, it’s becoming increasingly important to have the appropriate post-vaccination measures in place.
Why did we develop Vaccine Mediator?
Professor Duncan Fairgrieve’s recent open letter in The Independent explains why a generous compensation scheme is needed for those affected by side effects from COVID-19 vaccination; it’s to be noted that WHO’s COVAX scheme applies to 92 countries and offers a swift and easy avenue for vaccine injury claims.
Nevertheless, Canada remains the only G7 country to not have a means of justice for those who rightfully seek compensation for vaccine injury. Addressing this problem requires a team that can analyze medical data and apply those findings to a legal issue.
The Conflict Analytics Lab, Oxford University, and the BIICL have brought together a team well-versed on this intersection that can apply their targeted knowledge to solve a multi-billion dollar global health concern. Vaccine self-reporting is a requisite element of researching the side effects of COVID vaccination. Without a universal and easy-to-use self-reporting system, Canada has been unable to conduct its own bespoke research on Vaccine AEFI’s (Adverse Events Following Immunization).
How does Vaccine Mediator help vaccinated Canadians?
Vaccine Mediator aims to address two separate, yet intertwined problems:
1) Members of the public that are on the fence about getting vaccinated are opting to not vaccinate due to misinformation and a lack of Canadian-specific research on side effects. These individuals know Canadians who suffer a vaccine injury have no means of recourse and fear the worst-case scenario.
2) Many of those who will look for compensation under a yet-to-release compensation scheme lack the financial means to do so. If the Canadian federal government mirrors Quebec’s Vaccine Compensation Scheme, there will be a need for mediators to ease the process and assist users with an appeal if need be.
What does Vaccine Mediator do?
To provide relief for these two issues, Vaccine Mediator was designed to be modular and capable of being plugged into any jurisdiction that lacks an established reporting mechanism. Vaccine Mediator will provide accurate and helpful information regarding the mRNA vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, as well as the AstraZeneca vaccine. Using data from V-Safe (USA), Yellow Card (UK), and COVAX (92 countries), we designed a form of self-reporting that combines the benefits of existing programs with the lessons learned from their failures. The fine-tuned and bespoke nature of our reporting system covers every conceivable piece of information that would be required while remaining quick and easy to understand. Information entered into our Alpha release is safeguarded under CAL’s strict data protection policies and will help us conduct ground-breaking research on the correlation between a vaccine dose and an adverse event.
Your information will be stored for future releases and applied to the compensation scheme Canada eventually implements. If you’re outside of Canada, please consider self-reporting anyways, as we intend on exploring partnerships with foreign governments that are addressing similar issues. We will be in contact with you in the future if one of our mediators can be of service in navigating this upcoming system. Our long-term goals are to implement the following features:
- A bespoke AI model using research from the alpha release that can predict the strength of your compensation claim.
- A manual-review service by which AI outputs are reviewed by lawyers and medical professionals before being sent to you
- A built-in mediator function that allows you to report, file, and receive a settlement in one central portal.
- Research publications that outline the results of our research, available to members of the public, as well as healthcare professionals
- A mobile app that allows users to accomplish all the above on the go.
- Partner with Health Canada, public health, or other healthcare providers to enhance the post-vaccination experience
How does Vaccine Mediator work?
For the time being, Vaccine Mediator can quickly gather your self-report for research and future contact. The first step of the self-reporting tool will explore the basic details of your vaccination, such as which vaccine you received: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna. Then provide simple personal information necessary to guide further elements of your self-report.
Step two probes for the personal information necessary to file for compensation in the future. Additionally, these entries will be used by the Conflict Analytics Lab to conduct research on the correlation between demographics (age, sex, location, etc.) and vaccine symptoms.
Step three asks you more specific details about your vaccine dose, any high-risk symptoms, whether you’ve experienced severe illness, and the adverse events that followed it. It’s important to try and be as detailed about these elements as possible since the merits of your case will be based on the adverse events in question.
Step four asks questions to determine any underlying health conditions that may affect the chain of causation (vaccine dose vs. adverse event).
Finally, step five asks for information regarding your long-term experience with COVID-19. Such information is necessary to determine your “COVID susceptibility” or immunization, and for the Conflict Analytics Lab to conduct research that combats misinformation.
After completing your self-report, you will be given a confirmation of submission. If you would like a copy of your report for storage or to provide to your lawyer/doctor, send an email to avinash.pillay@queensu.ca. We expect automatic delivery of reports to be implemented by the tool’s next release.
Thank you for your time, and continued support,
The Conflict Analytics Lab Team
About Conflict Analytics Lab
The Conflict Analytics Lab is a consortium interested in the application of artificial intelligence and data analytics to conflict resolution and negotiation based Queen’s Law and Smith School of Business located in Ontario, Canada.
MyOpenCourt is a product of the Conflict Analytics Lab. Our tools are not-for-profit and funded by research grants. We believe that data science research can make a difference in the legal journey. While a computer algorithm can’t replace good legal skills, data science can help all Canadians determine whether they have a case, and reach out to the right professional for help.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this response is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. The content provided does not create a legal client relationship, and nothing in this response should be considered as a substitute for professional legal advice. The information is based on general principles of law and may not reflect the most current legal developments or interpretations in your jurisdiction. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, and the application and impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts and circumstances involved. You should consult with a qualified legal professional for advice regarding your specific situation.