It is estimated that 4,300 individuals in California received a lesser-than-expected coronavirus vaccine due to a problem with syringes.
According to KTVU, the Oakland Coliseum site received syringes with an orange cap that left a third of the vaccine stuck to the bottom of the plastic container. The problem was finally detected on Monday, but individuals vaccinated before that point received only 0.2 ml of the Pfizer vaccine instead of the ideal 0.3 ml.
The California Office of Emergency Services, which helps administer the site with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said high-level meetings were held on Tuesday afternoon, after whistleblowers warned of the problem.
Cal OES spokesman Brian Ferguson reportedly said that he did not think anyone was formally underdosed and that there was no need to contact individuals who received the least amount of vaccine.
On Wednesday, he said authorities were informed that the dosage was in line with medical guidelines and protocols.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist, said the patients were “probably protected” and could recover the missed dosage in the second round of vaccine dosing.
The incident occurred when Governor Gavin Newsom expressed optimism about the state’s vaccination efforts.