– were stored at wrong temperature
Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy yesterday said that while his ministry has asked the World Health Organisation (WHO) to replace some $40 million worth of H1N1 vaccines it donated it is not because the vaccines, which he admitted were not properly stored, had spoiled but rather out of “an abundance of caution.”
While earlier reports had indicated that the vaccines were spoilt and would have to be discarded, Dr Ramsammy, who only returned to the country on Saturday after attending the WHO assembly in Geneva, said yesterday that the vaccines will be returned to the manufacturer and a new batch will be sent.
According to Ramsammy, the vaccines are being provided to Guyana free of cost. The first batch cost $70 million and the second cost $40 million and arrived in Guyana on May 7.
“”Vaccines were uplifted promptly upon arrival in the country. On the arrival of the second batch of donated H1N1 vaccines, the Ministry of Health promptly picked up the vaccines. The vaccines were brought to the Kingston Vaccine Bond and stored in the bond without delay,” the minister said in a statement.
However, he said, two problems were encountered and out an abundance of caution the ministry has asked for the shipment to be replaced.
“The temperature of the vaccine package was inconsistent with the recommended temperature on arrival. The vaccines, once they arrived at the Kingston bond, were placed immediately in the freezer.
This is not recommended,” the minister said.
He said while neither of the conditions means that the vaccines were spoilt, both could reduce the potency of vaccines.
“The Ministry of Health does not take risks with our vaccine supplies and therefore decided to request the WHO to replace the batch,” the minister and added that arrangements are being made to replace the batch immediately.
