Vaccinations halted over temperature concerns

A HIGH school immunisation session was halted halfway through when it emerged the vaccines hadn’t been stored at the right temperature.

Many Year 9 pupils were given the jabs at Hawarden High School in Flintshire earlier this week, before the matter came to light.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board admitted they were “temporarily stored outside of their normal parameters” but stressed they were safe and will still be effective against tetanus and meningitis.

Parents were sent letters explaining what had happened.

But many took to social media to share their concerns about whether their children would have any side effects.

One mum said reassurances were given that the batch had only been recalled as a precaution because it emerged there may have been a problem with it not being stored at the correct temperature.

But others sought answers from the local health board until an email was sent out and a letter and leaflet was sent to homes.

A spokesman for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “A school vaccination was stopped as a precaution on Wednesday, January 31 at Hawarden High School after we became aware that during the delivery of the vaccines by our supplier earlier in the week they were temporarily stored outside of their normal parameters.

“We would like to reassure the children and parents that the vaccines are safe and effective to use, and all children that received the vaccine will benefit from it and do not require revaccination.

“Children who did not receive their vaccines on that day will be offered their vaccines from a new batch of vaccines, a date for this vaccination session is to be arranged in due course.”