Hundreds of people in New York were vaccinated with an expired COVID-19 vaccine: is it dangerous and what should they do
'15.06.2021'
Olga Derkach
899 people were vaccinated with an expired COVID-19 vaccine at a mobile vaccination station in Times Square in New York, according to a statement from New York City authorities. Writes about it The Epoch Times.
The New York City Department of Health has confirmed that 899 people received an expired Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the former NFL Experience building. The situation concerns those who were vaccinated at this center from 5 to 10 June.
A department spokesman said that these people should get another vaccination as soon as possible.
“We contacted Pfizer, who advised these patients to get another dose as soon as possible,” the statement said. "Although there is no risk to patients' health, the vaccine must be re-administered to ensure full protection."
City health officials said the affected patients "were sent emails and made calls to make sure they were aware of the situation."
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Patients vaccinated with an expired vaccine have been informed by ATC Healthcare Services, which operates Times Square vaccination sites. Emails sent to them told them that they needed to get another shot because the manufacturer cannot guarantee that an expired vaccine is effective in preventing COVID-19.
“We are contacting them about this,” said David Savitsky of ATC Healthcare Services.
He stressed that "an expired vaccine received by patients should not have adverse health effects." Those who have received the wrong doses may receive a second dose right away.
ATC Healthcare Services issued a statement following the incident and apologized for the oversight.
“We apologize for the inconvenience to those who receive this batch of vaccine, and we want people to first and foremost know that the vaccine they received is not a health hazard,” the company said.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, approximately three weeks apart.
