Another Vaccine Administration Error... Over 140 People Received Pfizer Left 'Thawed and Unattended'

"Safety Concerns Absent but Risk of Insufficient Immunity"
"Decision on Booster Shot to Be Made"

Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] It has been confirmed that over 140 people at Korea University Guro Hospital in Seoul received COVID-19 vaccines after the recommended post-thaw administration period had passed. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is currently reviewing whether these individuals require revaccination.

According to health authorities on the 4th, on August 26-27, Korea University Guro Hospital administered Pfizer vaccines that were either close to or past the recommended administration period after thawing. Approximately 140 people received these vaccines, most of whom were first-dose recipients.

The Pfizer vaccine must be stored frozen and used after thawing in a refrigerator or at room temperature. Unopened vials can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours, and once a vial is opened and diluted with saline, it must be used within 6 hours. Investigations revealed that Korea University Guro Hospital did not properly adhere to these time limits when administering the vaccines.

According to the Guro District Public Health Center, the hospital administered vaccines with expiration dates of August 20 or 26 on August 26 and 27. The health center stated, "The hospital became aware of this on the 3rd and reported it to the health center by phone at 5 p.m. that day."

In a text message sent to those vaccinated, the hospital stated, "It has been confirmed that you received vaccines that were either close to or slightly past the recommended administration period. While there are no safety concerns, there is a possibility that sufficient immunity may not have developed. The KDCA expert review committee will decide on the need for revaccination."

Vaccinated individuals have expressed anxiety, and some have reported adverse reactions and undergone examinations. The hospital is known to have arranged for those experiencing adverse reactions to receive immediate emergency room treatment.

The hospital said, "We are awaiting the authorities' decision regarding revaccination," and added, "We will follow government guidelines for subsequent measures and will thoroughly conduct internal inspections, management, and education to prevent recurrence."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.