Public Health has confirmed that expired COVID-19 vaccines were administered at a community pharmacy in Tasmania’s north-west for two years.
The extensive issue at the Yolla Community Pharmacy was discovered during a recent review of cold chain processes, Public Health revealed on Thursday.
Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, says while receiving expired vaccines “does not not cause harm”, individuals who were vaccinated at the pharmacy between August 2021 and August 2023 will be contacted by letter this week.
“While getting an expired vaccine will not cause harm, it may be less effective in protecting against serious illness or complications from COVID-19 infection,” he said.
“People who received a COVID-19 vaccine at Yolla Community Pharmacy are encouraged to speak with their usual doctor to discuss revaccination advice, especially those who are immunocompromised.”
The Department of Health will be working with the pharmacy to contact affected individuals and provide guidance on the next steps in the coming days and will setup pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Yolla area from the middle of the month.
If anyone believes they received a COVID-19 vaccine at the Yolla Community Pharmacy and does not receive a notification letter, they are urged to contact the Public Health Hotline for further assistance.
