117 people given lower dose of COVID-19 vaccine due to error at Bukit Merah Polyclinic

SINGAPORE: More than 100 people who obtained their COVID-19 vaccinations at Bukit Merah Polyclinic have been erroneously given lower doses of the vaccine, SingHealth, which operates the polyclinic, talked about on Sunday (Oct 24).

The incident affected 111 victims and 6 workers who acquired their vaccinations from Oct 20 to Oct 22.

They acquired a "much lower dose" of the vaccine, at about 10 per cent of the actually helpful dosage, talked about SingHealth in a media launch.

"The incident occurred due to an error in identifying the correct markings on the new syringe that was recently introduced in the clinic," talked about the healthcare group.

After detection of the incident, prompt actions have been taken to determine the extent of the error and attain out to the affected victims, talked about SingHealth.

All affected victims have been contacted and preparations are being made for them to be vaccinated with a "full replacement dose" at SingHealth polyclinics as shortly as attainable, talked about the company.

"Based on the current vaccination guidelines by the Ministry of Health, we would like to assure all affected patients that the initial reduced dose is unlikely to cause any adverse reactions, and it is clinically safe for them to proceed with the COVID-19 vaccine replacement dose," talked about SingHealth.

As an added precaution, all affected victims is perhaps assessed by a well being care supplier sooner than receiving the choice dose, the company talked about.

"Our investigations have also confirmed that the incident is an isolated one, and all other vaccinations and services in our polyclinics are not affected," talked about the group, together with that steps have been taken to forestall a reoccurrence in its polyclinics.

SingHealth Polyclinics CEO Adrian Ee apologised for the "anxiety and inconvenience" introduced on to affected victims and their relations.

"We will take all necessary steps to address their concerns, and facilitate their COVID-19 replacement vaccinations as soon as possible," talked about Dr Ee.

He talked about prompt steps have been taken to rectify the error, and workers have been reminded on the proper use of the model new syringe to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

"We would also like to reassure our patients that we have thoroughly reviewed our processes, and will ensure that staff are familiar with the use of new devices," talked about Dr Ee.