LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is saying that some COVID-19 vaccines were affected during a transport problem on Sunday.
The MDHHS was notified by McKesson that several shipments of the Modern vaccine sent on Sunday, January 17, had their temperature reported to be out of range and getting very cold. The cause of this is under investigation by McKesson.
Each vaccine shipment is equipped with a temperature monitoring device used to monitor the temperature of the vaccine during transport. McKesson is working quickly to repackage additional vaccines to be sent as replacement doses for those that may be compromised, and most of the 21 shipments were reshipped on Monday night, with the rest being sent on Tuesday. Another six shipments were withheld to verify that there were no problems with the vaccine that could delay scheduled vaccinations at these six vaccine supplier locations.
“We are committed to accelerating the delivery of the vaccine as we work to achieve our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over 16 as soon as possible with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, medical director -executive and deputy chief for health. “While it is a pity that this vaccine cannot be used, we are pleased that the safeguards put in place to ensure the integrity of the vaccine have worked. This is the first report of a potentially compromised vaccine during transportation to Michigan and we are working quickly with the distributor to get the replacement vaccine shipped. “
Vaccines are sent to vaccine suppliers across the state by manufacturers and distributors. No vaccine is shipped or distributed by MDHHS.
Information about this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
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