THE alleged administration of expired and inappropriately stored doses of vaccinations to patients by two Sydney GPs is being described as "regretful" by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
The College has reminded GPs of the importance of managing vaccines correctly, following the revelation that thousands of patients may have received ineffective flu, measles mumps and rubella and other vaccinations on the National Immunisation Program.
RACGP President, Harry Nespolon, noted that the College's Standards for general practice (5th edition) advice - GP Standard 6.1 Maintaining vaccine potency, explained the need to keep vaccines within an optimal temperature range.
"The RACGP finds this isolated incident regretful and understands patients' concerns and dismay," he said.
"As such, we will be running an article in our publications reminding our members of their obligations and the practical measures for storing vaccinations appropriately."
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President, Dr Chris Freeman (pictured), said the case highlighted the importance of correct storage and auditing of vaccines.
"The recent incident involving two Sydney GPs is concerning not only for the people involved, as they may not be protected from the diseases they were vaccinated against but for the broader community," he said.
"Any reduction in effective vaccinations has the potential to decrease herd immunity."
Dr Freeman added that community pharmacy has been a leader in cold chain storage for decades, and has robust procedures for cold-chain maintenance, "which is why stories like this are not evident within the community pharmacy environment".
"Patients can be assured that vaccines administered within community pharmacy have been appropriately stored," he said.
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