News / Revaccinations ongoing
OVER 130 people have been revaccinated so far following NHS Shetland’s admission that vaccines at Lerwick Health Centre had been stored at the wrong temperature.
A meeting of the health board heard on Tuesday that investigations are continuing into the error and are expected to conclude in mid-May.
A total of 260 people were due to receive new vaccinations following the mistake, which was discovered in February.
NHS Shetland chairman Ian Kinniburgh and head of community health and social care Simon Bokor-Ingram both again extended their apologies for the blunder.
Records showed that from 1 August last year some vaccines were stored for short periods above the recommended maximum temperature and although there was no harm to patients, the long-term effectiveness of the treatments may have been reduced.
Chief community nurse Edna Mary Watson said there have been three revaccination clinics held so far.
Nearly 90 people were seen at the first session on 24 March, with 30 attending on 28 March and 21 people getting revaccinated on 11 April.
Some of the revaccinations so far have been for children, shingles, hepatitis B and travel related treatment, while the programme should be completed in June.
Bokor-Ingram said the first stage of inquiries looked at equipment and the second part will focus on the human side.
The health board has been contacting those affected by letter and over the phone, while it has also been trying to track down people who no longer live in Shetland who may need new vaccines.
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