Apology after "ultra low" vaccines in Qld
Health authorities have apologised after an error in vaccine preparation meant six people may have received an "ultra low" dose of Pfizer at a hub north of Brisbane.
The mistake happened at the Kippa Ring Vaccination Centre on Saturday morning, and 66 people are being contacted as there is no way to know which of them received an insufficient dose.
It follows a similar incident in Rockhampton two weeks ago where 159 people were offered another vaccine after six people were given an ultra low dose of Pfizer.
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said all those affected will again be offered another vaccine, and there was no clinical risk associated with a third dose of Pfizer.
"Of those 66, 26 were receiving their first dose and 40 were receiving their second dose," Dr Young said in a statement.
"Those affected will be offered a new appointment to receive a repeat dose to ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19."
The preparation process for Pfizer requires saline to be added to the vaccine vial, with each vial used for six doses.
On this occasion an initial review indicated one vial was used twice, indicating the doses drawn on the second use were over-diluted.
The error occurred within the first hour and a half of the clinic opening, and those vaccinated after 9:30am on August 7 have been told they are not affected.
An apology for "any distress caused" to the 66 people and their families was given by Metro North Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Executive Jackie Hanson.
"I have received a full incident report which will allow me and my staff to better understand what needs to be done to improve our processes," she said in a statement.
