Holy Family Medical Centre Dulwich Hill Dr Randa Selim gave wrong vaccine to newborn

Vaccine Mix-Up Affects Over 1000 Families

A recent incident has left over 1200 families concerned after discovering their vaccines may be ineffective against serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and pneumonia. This situation has raised alarms about the reliability of vaccination processes and the potential health risks involved. The affected families are now faced with uncertainty, wondering if their vaccinations have provided the necessary protection against these preventable diseases.

A Family’s Experience: Freya and Her Newborn

Freya and her family were among those affected, discovering the issue shortly after their newborn’s vaccination. Promptly, they sought medical attention at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where the baby was monitored for four hours. Thankfully, the infant showed no adverse reactions. Selim, likely a healthcare provider, submitted an incident report to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and informed the Camperdown Public Health Unit. This proactive step aims to address the error and prevent future occurrences, though Selim did not respond to further inquiries.

Expert Insights: Safety and Protection

Professor Peter Richmond, a renowned expert in infectious diseases and immunology, offered reassurance on the safety of the vaccine administered to Freya’s baby. He highlighted that the vaccine, Abrysvo, was tested in children aged two to five and is generally safe. However, he noted that the baby might not have optimal protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) without prior maternal vaccination or an additional treatment like nirsevimab. Professor Richmond emphasized the safety of combining these treatments and suggested providing nirsevimab to ensure better protection.

Rising RSV Cases in NSW

RSV infections are surging in New South Wales, with significant increases in confirmed cases, particularly in children under five. This spike has led to higher rates of bronchiolitis, a chest infection linked to RSV, resulting in more emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The situation underscores the urgency of addressing vaccination efficacy and exploring alternative protective measures, especially for vulnerable infants.

Government Response: Free Treatment for Infants

In response to the rising RSV cases, the NSW government announced that nirsevimab would be provided free to infants whose mothers did not receive Abrysvo during pregnancy. This initiative mirrors a successful Western Australian program that prevented numerous hospitalizations in 2024. The government’s move aims to mitigate the impact of RSV and offer reassurance to concerned parents, ensuring vulnerable infants receive necessary protection.

Support and Prevention Measures

The Sydney Local Health District extended support to Freya’s family, addressing their concerns and ensuring the baby’s health. Following the vaccine storage error, the Public Health Unit educated the Holy Family Medical Centre staff on proper vaccine handling to prevent future incidents. This comprehensive approach focuses on support, education, and prevention to uphold public health standards and maintain community trust in vaccination programs.