Public health say expired Covid vaccines given at Yolla Community Pharmacy are safe

People who were given expired Covid vaccines have been assured the dose won’t cause harm as Public Health begin contacting people who were vaccinated at a community pharmacy over a two-year period. The details.

Generic photo of Covid vaccine

Those administered expired Covid vaccines have been assured that it will not cause harm by Tasmania’s top health boss.

Covid-19 vaccines stored and administered after their expiry date at Yolla Community Pharmacy were identified by Public Health.

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said those who had a dose of the vaccine between August 2021 and August 2023 will be contacted via a letter during the first week of January.

He said the issue was identified following a review of cold chain processes at the Yolla Community Pharmacy.

Tasmanian Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch. Picture: Chris Kidd

“While getting an expired vaccine will not cause harm, it may be less effective in protecting against serious illness or complications from Covid-19 infection,” Dr Veitch said.

“People who received a COVID-19 vaccine at Yolla Community Pharmacy are encouraged to speak with their usual doctor to discuss revaccination advice, especially those who are immunocompromised.”

He said the Department of Health would be working with the North-West Coast pharmacy to contact affected persons and to advise them of the best course of action.

“Whether you need further doses will depend on your age and health. However, it is important to remember that most adults have been advised to get at least one 2023 COVID-19 booster, especially older adults or those with risk factors for serious illness,” Dr Veitch said.

Pop-up Covid vaccination clinics will take place in the Yolla area from mid-January 2024.

If anyone believes they received a Covid-19 vaccine at Yolla Community Pharmacy and does not receive a letter in early January, please call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 and press the option for ‘Immunisation’ to speak to a specialist immunisation nurse.