Aberdeen Children To Be Revaccinated After Fridge Problem

An Aberdeen doctors' surgery has apologised after a faulty fridge affected child vaccines.

Denburn Medical Practice in said 56 babies and pre-school children have been offered revaccination after a fridge used to store drugs was found to be running at too high a temperature.

Doctors assured parents that the vaccines will not have caused any harm but said their effectiveness in the long term could have been compromised.

Checks were carried out on the pharmaceutical fridge over Christmas after staff noticed the temperature had increased slightly.

It is thought that the cooler had been malfunctioning since October and Denburn has contacted all patients who were vaccinated over the period.

The practice said it aims to revaccinate those affected within the next four weeks.

Dr Alistair McEwan, a partner at the surgery, said: The fault in the fridge was very subtle, and I am thankful that the vaccinating staff picked it up so early. It has allowed us to act quickly to minimise any potential harm.

We apologise to the affected families for any inconvenience but would like to reassure them that we do not anticipate any health problems arising from this.''

Dr Diana Webster, public health medicine consultant at NHS Grampian, said: Our concern is that the effectiveness of the vaccines may have been compromised so they may not provide the necessary long term protection.

The expert advice we received was that boosters should be offered as a precautionary measure, and we can reassure parents there is no risk from the additional dose of vaccine.

The welfare of patients remains our highest priority, and we are satisfied there is no risk to children from the repeated vaccinations. We would urge parents to take up the appointments offered by the practice.

We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause but would remind patients that immunisation remains the best way to protect against infection.''

The vaccines involved prevent diseases including tetanus, diphtheria, polio and whooping cough.