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DH investigates Comirnaty vaccine incident at two medical centres of EC Healthcare
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     The Department of Health (DH) today (September 16) said that it is investigating and following up on the incident of 45 members of the public being administered with Comirnaty vaccines after the suggested use-by date by EC Healthcare at its two medical centres in Central and Taikoo.

     The DH has in place a regular stock monitoring mechanism for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, under which the DH obtains regular information on the usage of vaccines by the medical service providers under the programme. 

     The DH received notification yesterday (September 15) evening from the above healthcare group that from July 26 to September 15, Comirnaty vaccines which had been kept six days to 61 days after the suggested use-by date were administered on a total of 45 members of the public. As suggested by the vaccine manufacturer, Comirnaty vaccine should be kept at 2 to 8 degree Celsius and be used within 31 days after thawing.

     Upon receiving the report, the DH has conducted an inspection to the two medical centres and immediately reminded the staff members to store vaccines with different use-by dates separately, check regularly the suggested use-by date of the vaccines and handle the expired vaccines in accordance with the DH's guideline at appropriate time. The DH has also made initial assessment and provided advice to the medical centres to improve their vaccine management procedures and internal communications. They are also urged to avoid recurrence of similar incidents.

     Meanwhile, the DH has made inquiries to Fosun Pharma on the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine. According to the reply by Fosun Pharma, there is no relevant information which shows adverse reaction as a result of using vaccine over the thawing period in the past. The DH has consulted local expert and the initial assessment is that no re-vaccination is needed for the affected persons. The medical centres concerned should actively follow up the health condition of the affected persons.

     The DH has requested the medical centre to contact the affected persons to explain the situation and follow up on their health condition. The centre should also manage any discomfort reported immediately and make notification to the DH. The DH has yet to receive any discomfort reports of the affected persons.

     The DH will follow up to see if the medical centres have followed the DH's guideline. If there is any violation of the guideline under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme or the private clinic agreement, the DH will handle according to established mechanism.
 
Ends/Friday, September 16, 2022
Issued at HKT 21:10
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