‘Ultra-low’ Pfizer doses given to Queenslanders in major vaccine bungle

An urgent warning has been issued by Queensland Health after six people were potentially given an ‘ultra-low’ dose at an immunisation centre.

A vaccine administration bungle has resulted in several people receiving an “ultra-low” dose of the Pfizer vaccine at an immunisation centre north of Brisbane.

Queensland Health issued the urgent warning after confirming six people may have received the low dose at the Kippa-Ring Vaccination Centre before 9.30am last Saturday.

More than 60 people who received their jab from the centre during that time on Saturday have been contacted.

Queensland Health have confirmed several people may have been issued an ultra-low dose of the Pfizer vaccine at a centre in Kippa-Ring before 9.30am on Saturday, August 7.

Chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said an ultra-low dose was not harmful but could affect immunity to Covid-19.

She said people who had received their jab at or after 9.30am last Saturday, or on another date, were not impacted and did not need to take any action.

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

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

Chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young has said the ultra-low dose is not harmful but could affect immunity to Covid-19.

“Those affected will be offered a new appointment to receive a repeat dose to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

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

Metro North Hospital and Health Service Acting Chief Executive Jackie Hanson said she was “incredibly sorry” for the error and the hospital service would be supporting everyone impacted.

“I am incredibly grateful we have good safety culture at Metro North and that the error was picked up quickly as a result of those safeguards,” she 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.”