CORONAVIRUS/Four hospitalized after receiving wrong vaccine type

Four in Pingtung County were hospitalized Thursday after receiving a second dose of a different COVID-19 vaccine from the one that they had registered, the county government said.

Eighty-eight out of around 100 recipients that had made an appointment for a second dose of Moderna at Antai Tian-sheng Memorial Hospital in Donggang Township were incorrectly given a shot of AstraZeneca (AZ) on Wednesday, according to the county government.

Of those that received the incorrect vaccine type, eight sought medical treatment after developing dizziness, a fever and muscle soreness, with four out of the eight required to stay in hospital for further observation.

The county government has asked the hospital to suspend vaccinations as well as submit an investigation report within three days.

As the identity of the 88 people incorrectly given AZ has yet to be verified, the hospital said it would pay a visit on Thursday to all 100 recipients to provide assistance if necessary.

Doctors said recipients should not panic, as it is safe to receive AZ after Moderna instead of two doses of Moderna.

They added that while a Moderna-AZ mix produced a lower level of neutralizing antibodies, antibodies produced by mixing vaccines would also last longer.

Later Thursday, Antai Tian-sheng Memorial Hospital Honorary Superintendent Su Ching-chyuan (???) and Superintendent Tsai Tsung-chang (???) apologized for the mishap and promised to send nutritious food and NT$5,000 (US$180) in cash to the 100 recipients.

They also said that the hospital would foot the bill for any related follow-up treatment.

Su admitted that the hospital’s procedures regarding COVID-19 vaccinations had been lax, and stressed that management of inoculations would be overhauled.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel