Health board sorry after dozens given out-of-date Covid vaccines

A health board has apologised after dozens of people were given out of date Covid vaccines.

NHS Grampian said 42 people who attended Stonehaven vaccination centre in Aberdeenshire on February 1 were given the affected doses.

The health board added that while the out of date doses are believed to be safe, effectiveness may be reduced and revaccination has been offered to those affected.

Those given the affected vaccines were over the age of 12 and no other centres have been affected by the issue, NHS Grampian added.

In a statement, the health board said: “We can confirm 42 people who attended Stonehaven Vaccination Centre on 1 February were given a Covid-19 vaccine which was later discovered to be out of date.

“We believe the doses administered are safe and will still protect, however, there is a very small possibility of reduced effectiveness, therefore we are offering re-vaccination if those affected want this.

“We are contacting them directly to apologise and to offer them this, according to their personal circumstances.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise publicly for any distress or inconvenience.

“Our investigations to date suggest this was an isolated incident and no other centres are affected.

“We can confirm those individuals involved are aged 12 years and older; this issue did not affect the vaccination of 5-11 year olds.”