Important Vaccination Notice November 2023

1. Why are you contacting me?

We are contacting you because you have been identified as one of a number of patients who were given at least one dose of vaccine that it is now known was possibly stored at an incorrect temperature.

 

2. How has this error happened?

Due to a mechanical failure, air was not circulated inside the vaccine fridge. This means that although the fridge thermometer was showing temperatures in the correct range, parts of the fridge were at a temperature lower than the recommended range for vaccine storage.

 

3. Which vaccines are affected?

Because it is not possible to know which sections of the fridge were at lower temperature at any given time, which section in the fridge any specific dose of vaccine was stored, or when the mechanical failure occurred, on a precautionary basis we are treating all vaccines stored in the fridge since it was installed as potentially affected.

 

4. Has this caused me clinical harm?

There will have been no direct harm from receiving a vaccine stored at the wrong temperature.

However, there is very limited data on the stability and effectiveness of vaccines stored at very low temperatures, and the vaccine may not have produced the necessary level of protection.

 

5. Do I need any further vaccinations?

Yes. It is recommended that any affected doses are repeated.

Depending on the reason you were offered the initial vaccination, and the number of affected doses received, you will either be invited to attend for revaccination at a community vaccine clinic, or to attend Sandyford Central for a clinic appointment where revaccination, and if necessary any recommended tests, will take place.

 

6. Are there any risks to having an additional vaccine?

Vaccines are very safe products, and it is not possible to “overdose” on vaccines.

For some vaccines, the chance of common local side effects, such as a redness around the injection site or a sore arm can be higher with additional doses.

 

7. Does this affect any other vaccines I am due to get?

No. You should attend your future vaccine appointments as normal, including your flu and COVID-19 vaccination appointments if eligible.

 

8. Where can I get more information on vaccination?

Information on vaccination and the infections vaccines can protect against is available on the NHS Inform website at: www.nhsinform.scot. You can also call the NHS inform helpline on 0800 22 44 66. It is open from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.

 

9. Do I need to share this information with anyone else?

No. We will only share this information based on your preferences.