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NHS probe into vaccine concerns NHS probe into vaccine concerns
(about 1 hour later)
Scotland's NHS boards are to conduct an audit of all GP practices after concerns about vaccines being wrongly stored in Aberdeen. Scotland's NHS boards are to conduct an audit of all GP practices after concerns about the incorrect storage of children's vaccines in Aberdeen.
NHS Grampian said 133 children are being asked back after concerns medicines may have been stored at the wrong temperature. NHS Grampian said 133 children are being asked back after concerns that medicines may have been stored at the wrong temperature.
BBC Scotland had revealed a practice in Garthdee was the focus of the inquiry.BBC Scotland had revealed a practice in Garthdee was the focus of the inquiry.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said it was "not good enough" and NHS boards are now to conduct the audit. Health Minister Andy Kerr said it was "not good enough" and NHS boards will conduct an audit.
NHS Grampian said children vaccinated between November 2004 and November 2006 were being asked back. NHS Grampian said children vaccinated between November 2004 and November 2006 would be asked back.
We would urge parents to take up the appointment when the clinics have been arranged Dr Helen HowieNHS GrampianWe would urge parents to take up the appointment when the clinics have been arranged Dr Helen HowieNHS Grampian
Parents have been told it is a precaution because some routine childhood vaccines may have had reduced effectiveness.Parents have been told it is a precaution because some routine childhood vaccines may have had reduced effectiveness.
The Garthdee fridge daily routine readings appeared to be within expected ranges but the temperature of the top shelf was found to be too low.The Garthdee fridge daily routine readings appeared to be within expected ranges but the temperature of the top shelf was found to be too low.
Public health records were checked and no evidence found of any illness in the practice area that could have been prevented by these vaccines. Public health records were checked and no evidence was found of illness in the practice area that could have been prevented by these vaccines.
Helpline organisedHelpline organised
Dr Helen Howie, consultant in public health medicine, said: "Our concern is that the effectiveness of the vaccines may have been compromised so they may not provide the necessary long term protection.Dr Helen Howie, consultant in public health medicine, said: "Our concern is that the effectiveness of the vaccines may have been compromised so they may not provide the necessary long term protection.
"The expert advice we received was that boosters should be offered as a precautionary measure, and we can reassure parents there is no risk from the additional dose of vaccine."The expert advice we received was that boosters should be offered as a precautionary measure, and we can reassure parents there is no risk from the additional dose of vaccine.
"The welfare of patients remains our highest priority, and we are satisfied there is no risk to children from the additional jab. We would urge parents to take up the appointment when the clinics have been arranged.""The welfare of patients remains our highest priority, and we are satisfied there is no risk to children from the additional jab. We would urge parents to take up the appointment when the clinics have been arranged."
A helpline has been set up on 08000 28 28 16, open daily from 0800 GMT to 2200 GMT. A helpline has been set up on 08000 28 28 16, open daily from 0800 to 2200 GMT.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said of the Grampian incident: "This is simply not good enough. We are aware of this refrigeration incident, which was identified as a result of a vaccine storage audit. Mr Kerr said of the Grampian incident: "This is simply not good enough. We are aware of this refrigeration incident, which was identified as a result of a vaccine storage audit.
"NHS Grampian is keeping us closely informed of the immediate action that has been undertaken and I have been assured by NHS Grampian that there are no other practices in this position in Grampian.""NHS Grampian is keeping us closely informed of the immediate action that has been undertaken and I have been assured by NHS Grampian that there are no other practices in this position in Grampian."
A Scottish Executive spokesperson added: "We have requested NHS boards to conduct an audit of all GP practices and report on the outcome.A Scottish Executive spokesperson added: "We have requested NHS boards to conduct an audit of all GP practices and report on the outcome.
"This is work in progress. Health Protection Scotland is currently working with boards on this issue.""This is work in progress. Health Protection Scotland is currently working with boards on this issue."
The Garthdee inquiry follows a similar incident at another city practice last year.The Garthdee inquiry follows a similar incident at another city practice last year.
In November, 800 patients at the Northfield practice in Aberdeen were contacted and advised to have repeat injections due to "minimal" risk.In November, 800 patients at the Northfield practice in Aberdeen were contacted and advised to have repeat injections due to "minimal" risk.
Has your family been affected by the vaccine problems in Aberdeen? You can e-mail us at newsonlinescotland@bbc.co.uk.