The Department of Health has issued a statement in relation to the incorrectly administered vaccination in a Brisbane aged care facility.
It said it had originally been categorically assured by Healthcare Australia (HCA) that the doctor who incorrectly administered the vaccination had completed all of the required COVID-19 vaccine training.
However, on further investigation, HCA advised the Department this was not the case — that the doctor had not completed the necessary COVID-19 training prior to administering the vaccine.
“HCA has advised that this doctor has not been involved in delivering vaccinations in any other facilities and that this was his one-and-only COVID-19 vaccine shift,” the statement said.
“The doctor dispensed more than the prescribed doses to two patients at Holy Spirit Carseldine in North Brisbane.”
The Department said both patients were being closely monitored by clinical teams in hospital. They would continue to be observed as a precaution. The families of the two residents had been notified.
“The Department is concerned at this serious breach of protocol and the misleading information it received from HCA. We have at all times made it abundantly clear that safety cannot be compromised,” the statement said.
“The Department has sought urgent evidence, independently verified, that all other HCA immunisers have completed all of the required training.”
It said that it had issued notice that the company could face contract termination or other sanction if further breaches occurred.
“The Department will refer the doctor in question to the appropriate regulatory authority. A senior clinical advisor will also be embedded within HCA to independently review the company’s protocol and operations,” the statement said.
