DH investigates incident of RCHD administering COVID-19 vaccines beyond recommended use-by date
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Upon reviewing the vaccine orders and vaccination records, the DH found that the doctor concerned administered Spikevax JN.1 COVID-19 vaccines that were beyond the recommended use-by date to seven residents at Hong Chi Fanling Integrative Rehabilitation Complex, an RCHD in Fanling, on May 22. While the COVID-19 vaccines concerned have not exceeded their expiry dates, they should be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius after thawing and used within 30 days, according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
The DH is highly concerned about the incident and has taken immediate actions to follow up on the health conditions of the affected persons. It has been confirmed that none of the affected residents suffered from adverse events as a result of the vaccination. The DH has sought information from the vaccine manufacturer on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine under the above circumstances. Taking into account the history of COVID-19 vaccination and infection of the affected persons, the DH advised that there is no need for the affected individuals to be revaccinated. The DH has instructed the doctor in question to monitor the health conditions of the affected residents. At the request of the DH, the visiting doctor will explain the incident to the affected persons or their relatives and discuss subsequent arrangements.
Meanwhile, the DH has inspected the RCHD concerned to check the storage of vaccines and vaccination procedures. To avoid the recurrence of similar incidents, the staff have been urged to follow the requirements of regular checking of the recommended use-by date of the vaccines, separate storage of vaccines with different recommended use-by dates, and timely disposal of expired vaccines in accordance with the guidelines of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
The DH has suspended the vaccination service of the doctor concerned under the Vaccination Schemes and will continue to follow up on whether the institution concerned have complied with the relevant guidelines of the DH.
To remind private doctors and residential care home staff how to properly store and administer COVID-19 vaccines to the public, the DH conducted three briefing sessions for the industries in late July and early August. Participants included doctors participating in the Programme, staff members of RCHDs and residential care homes for the elderly. They were reminded of the key points to note when administering COVID-19 vaccines. The DH also stressed that the recommended use-by date must be checked before administering the vaccines for the public.
In response to this incident, the DH will send letters again to remind doctors participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to strictly adhere to all procedures recommended by the DH when providing vaccination services.
Ends/Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:00
Issued at HKT 20:00
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