Pfizer vaccine vial used twice at Kippa Ring Vaccination Centre

A woman caught up in a Covid-19 vaccination bungle at a clinic north of Brisbane has asked how the incident could have occurred and fears it may harm people’s confidence in getting a jab.

A South East Queensland woman caught up in a Covid-19 vaccination bungle at the weekend has asked how it was allowed to happen.

Six Queenslanders among a group of 66 who received a Pfizer vaccine may have received an ultra-low dose, due to an administration error, authorities say.

Queensland Health have advised that one vial of the vaccine was used twice, resulting in an ultra-low dose, at the Kippa Ring Vaccination Centre before 9.30am on August 7.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said an ultra-low dose was not harmful, but could affect a person’s immunity to COVID-19.

“We are working with those impacted to ensure optimal immune response to the vaccination is achieved,” she said.

“Of those 66, 26 were receiving their first dose and 40 were receiving their second dose.”

Only six of those people are thought to have received the ultra-low dose, but authorities say it’s unclear which six people were affected.

She said those affected would be offered a new appointment for a repeat dose.

“There is no clinical risk associated with receiving a third dose of Pfizer,” she said.

A woman named Jo from Clontarf who was caught up in the vaccine bungle told Neil Breen on 4BC radio on Thursday morning she got an email on Wednesday morning advising her Queensland Health would be contacting her about her vaccination.

“I thought oh they’re just ringing you know as a bit of a survey or whatever and then the phone call came about lunch time,” she said.

Queensland Health told her that she was one of the 66 people who may have been given a low dose and recommended she go back for an additional dose.

“I thought they have one job to do, draw up the vial, give it to the nurse, and the nurse gives it to us.

“How does it happen?”

Jo said this incident may affect other people’s confidence levels regarding the vaccine.

Queensland Health have attempted to contact all 66 patients, with those who received their vaccination after 9.30am at the clinic not affected.

Metro North Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Executive Jackie Hanson apologised for the error and said it was detected early on in the day as part of the due diligence process.

“I am incredibly sorry for any distress this has caused to those 66 people and their families. We will, of course, be supporting every single person impacted,” Ms Hanson said.

“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.”