Improper Storage May Lead to Revaccinations for 900 Children in NJ

Approximately 900 children who received a vaccine at Southern Ocean Pediatrics and Family Medicine in Manahawkin, NJ, properly between November 2014 and July 28, 2016, may need to be revaccinated due to the improper storage of the vaccines.

The vaccines that were not refrigerated were for chickenpox, DTaP/Tdap, hepatitis A and B, Hib, human papillomavirus, measles, meningococcal, mumps, pneumococcal, polio, rubella, and rotavirus, according toNew Jersey 101.5.

The refrigeration issue was first discovered in July 2016 during a routine compliance visit, according to reports. The state has filed a complaint alleging grossing negligence, professional misconduct, and other violations.

Although these shots are not harmful to children, they may be less effective and result in less protection for the children, the department said.

Families whose children were vaccinated at the Ocean County office will receive letters from the Department of Health. Parents or guardians of uninsured children can contact federally qualified health centers in Ocean County, including the Center for Health Education, Medicine & Dentistry in Lakewood, and Ocean Health Initiatives in Lakewood.

Additionally, Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, NJ, will be setting up a hotline to help families evaluate the need for revaccination.

The shots dispensed were under the federally funded, state-operated Vaccines for Children program, which provides 1.6 million free or low-costvaccinesto eligible low-income children at more than 1000 medical offices around the state per year, reportedNew Jersey 101.5.