Tasmanian Public Health Services have launched an investigation into the Dodges Ferry Medical in Hobart’s East after discovering vaccines were improperly stored over the past 20 years.
The Director of Public Health found from July 2003 to March 22, 2023, no written evidence showed the vaccines were being stored as required by National Guidelines, such as certain government-funded vaccines for teenagers, adults, and pregnant women.
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However, vaccines include influenza (flu) vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and those purchased from pharmacies with private prescriptions are unaffected.
As a result, the vaccines may have been exposed to temperatures that were either too high or too low, potentially compromising their effectiveness.
According to the Tasmanian Government Department of Health, vaccines that were not stored correctly were free government-funded vaccines, which were under the National Immunisation Program.
The government said having an improperly stored vaccine does not pose immediate harm but can compromise its effectiveness in providing complete protection against illnesses.
Patients who received vaccinations during this period at Dodges Ferry Medical Clinic are advised to seek advice about having those vaccines again.
Revaccination advice is also available from Public Health Nurse Immunisers through an online form at www.health.tas.gov.au/revaccination-advice.
Concerned individuals can also contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738
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