“ We have specialist vaccine storage fridges that are cooled by an internal electric fan unit. Monitoring has shown that for a short period the fan was not functioning correctly for one of the fridges, which meant that some vaccines stored in the lower part of the fridge unit were exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees. Vaccine should be stored in a temperature range between 2 and 8 degrees.
• Medicines Information – University Hospital Leicester
• Screening and Immunisation Team, NHS England – Midlands
• The Care Quality Commission
We are now following the UK Health Security Guidance (Vaccine incident guidance Responding to errors in vaccine storage, handling and administration Republished 6 July 2022)
In line with the advice that has been received there is a high likelihood of a suboptimal response to the vaccine that you received, and you may not gain full protection from this vaccination.
We would therefore recommend that you have a repeat vaccination as soon as possible. You will receive a text or email link by Wednesday 16th November to book an appointment in one of our dedicated clinics which will run between Monday 21st and Thursday 24th November.”
It seems to me the surgery has handled the matter with professionalism and transparency.
If you knew that, why didn't you say so in the first place?
Having said that, did they discover the temperature fluctuation prior to giving it to you..in which case, why did they? Or after, in which case maybe the storage equipment should monitored more frequently..or more efficiently..or both? Maybe I'm being harsh but their e-mail smacks of ar8e covering. I'm sorry but I wouldn't have another jab.
I did not say it, @Chris-P-Bacon, because my question was about the efficacy of two vaccines, not the details of why I am in this position. And answering your question, the faulty fridge was only discovered afterwards. They say they are serviced and monitored but with more diligence in the future.
There was something in the press about it a week or so ago. It said was a mistake with the storage of one batch … not disastrous as the checking system revealed the error and they said those who received the incorrect batch will be contacted (as appears to be the case) and a further jab offered.
Not ideal of course, but occasionally mistakes happen … we’re all human … I think 😉
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Re who can administer vaccines @Allotment Boy: The main factor is that the person administrating the vaccine has the relevant training and that certain conditions are met (paperwork, environment, qualifications). It may be that the nurses didn’t have up to date training or it may be local policy that a doctor is present.
Pharmacists can now do extra qualifications to not only administer vaccines but to prescribe them and other medications. There are very tight regulations on pharmacies being able to offer vaccines and not all chemists meet the criteria. When COVID vaccines were rolled out, the training was extended to other people such as health care support workers and technicians. It used to be that if you were a registered nurse, Midwife or doctor that you could automatically give injections as part of your role, but now there are tighter guidelines on having specific training for specific vaccines (it’s mainly online training on topics such as background, checking, technique and emergencies such as anaphylaxis plus a skill assessment).
As for your second question about difficultly in obtaining an appointment to see a GP… no idea why this is now a huge problem in the U.K.
It is certainly all of those things @nutcutlet but there is a suspicious marked difference since covid. Why are they shying away from admitting a problem?
Or even meeting us halfway and calling it the ‘new normal’?
I am normally very supportive of the medical professionals but it seems to me that many GP's found during covid, that they could get away with not seeing patients face to face. Now it's over they have continued this practice. A lot of people tolerated this during the peak of the pandemic because they saw the rationale. Now many wish there could be a return to face to face as remote consultations are often not appropriate.
I would find a zoom consultation acceptable on most occasions, but the telephone is a poor alternative. I might as well be speaking to an Asian call centre. Which is probably what we'll end up with after privatisation.
... it seems to me that many GP's found during covid, that they could get away with not seeing patients face to face. Now it's over they have continued this practice.
Mine certainly has. Along being triaged by the receptionist every time I try to make an appointment - somebody with almost no medical training whatsoever (I checked) and will try to get me to have "phone consultation" (?) prior to making a face to face appointment. I shouldn't be but I'm always surprised when she attempts this and even more surprised when I tell her mind her own business..which seems to upset her... but not as much when I start to ask her own about her medical problems!
Posts
Having said that, did they discover the temperature fluctuation prior to giving it to you..in which case, why did they? Or after, in which case maybe the storage equipment should monitored more frequently..or more efficiently..or both?
Maybe I'm being harsh but their e-mail smacks of ar8e covering.
I'm sorry but I wouldn't have another jab.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
The main factor is that the person administrating the vaccine has the relevant training and that certain conditions are met (paperwork, environment, qualifications). It may be that the nurses didn’t have up to date training or it may be local policy that a doctor is present.
As for your second question about difficultly in obtaining an appointment to see a GP…
no idea why this is now a huge problem in the U.K.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Along being triaged by the receptionist every time I try to make an appointment - somebody with almost no medical training whatsoever (I checked) and will try to get me to have "phone consultation" (?) prior to making a face to face appointment.
I shouldn't be but I'm always surprised when she attempts this and even more surprised when I tell her mind her own business..which seems to upset her... but not as much when I start to ask her own about her medical problems!