Health fears after vaccine mistake

[Guest guest]

Right - we may not have damaged you the first time around so give us a

second chance..... ;o/

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/73956.html

Health fears after vaccine mistake

GRAEME SMITH November 08 2006

Copyright © 2006 Newsquest (Herald & Times) Limited.

Hundreds of children and vulnerable adults may have been exposed to the risk

of serious illness after fears that vaccines at a GP practice were stored at

the wrong temperature.

The Herald understands that the problem could have existed for around two

years in the Grampian region and a major exercise is under way to contact

those who may have been given vaccines which offer no protection because of

the potential error.

The vaccines cover the whole range from those given to youngsters to protect

against potentially fatal childhood illnesses to adult vaccines to protect

against hepatitis, meningitis and pneumonia.

Several hundred patients of the Northfield Practice in Aberdeen will receive

letters today offering them the opportunity of a " booster " amid fears that

the vaccine they received was damaged.

NHS Grampian confirmed last night that an investigation is under way into

" an incident at the Northfield Practice in Aberdeen where vaccines may have

been stored at temperatures outside the recommended range " .

A spokesman said: " As a precaution, several hundred patients of Northfield

practice have been written to today to explain what has happened and to

advise them that they may need a booster vaccination.

" The vaccines concerned are those given as part of the childhood vaccination

programme and some vaccines given to adults. These vaccines will not have

caused any harm, but they may not provide the necessary long-term

protection.

" A helpline has been set up for anyone needing further advice and will be

available on 08000 282836 from 8am Wednesday 8th 2006. It will be available

from 8am-10pm every day. "

The spokesman said he could add no further details at the moment but further

details are expected to be released today.

There are strict protocols in relation to the storage of vaccines which are

normally kept at a temperature of between 2C and 8C.

If the storage temperature falls below the minimum or rises above the

maximum the vaccine may become ineffective. Normal domestic refrigerators

are not adequate for vaccine storage.

Such is the importance of maintaining the correct temperature that best

practice ensures the temperature of the refrigerator storage compartment is

monitored if not daily at least at the beginning of each immunisation

session using an independent maximum and minimum thermometer in the main

body of the refrigerator.