Children who have recently received vaccinations will have to brave the needle again after a medical fridge at an Aberdeen health centre failed to stay at the correct temperature.
A fridge used for storing vaccinations to prevent diseases such as tetanus, diptheria, whooping cough, polio, the flu and meningitis at Denburn Medical Practice malfunctioned between late October of last year until the middle of December.
Although daily temperature recordings showed the fridge was at the right temperature, staff at the centre noticed that the average daily temperature had increased.
A total of 56 people were identified to have been vaccinated during the period the fridge was faulty, following a review of the practice by NHS Grampian’s Health Protection Team.
The re-vaccinations are expected to be completed within the next four weeks, according to NHS Grampian.
In a letter to parents of children affected, Dr Diana Webster, a consultant in public health medicine for NHS Grampian, said: “While this does not mean the vaccines were unsafe to use, it may have reduced their effectiveness.
“It is possible that vaccinations given in the practice during this period may not have provided full protection and so we are recommending some of the vaccinations be repeated.
“If your child is not fully immunised they may be at risk of catching some serious diseases, but repeating the vaccinations should not cause harm.”
Dr Webster added: “I would like to reassure you that we are following expert advice on what is the best action to take in these circumstances concerning re-vaccination.
“I would also like to reassure you that issues this incident has highlighted are being reviewed and lessons learned will be applied throughout Grampian.
“NHS Grampian and staff at Denburn Medical Practice wish to apologise for the concern and inconvenience caused.”
Dr Alister McEwan of the Denburn practice added: “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.”