When Australia entered the third day of its vaccination campaign, its health minister told local media on Wednesday that two people had received incorrect doses of the coronavirus vaccine.
The two patients, aged 88 to 94, received four times the recommended dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said that human error was a reminder of safeguards during implementation:
“I think it is very important that we are open. The safeguards that were put in place immediately took effect, a nurse at the scene identified the fact that more than the prescribed dose was given to two patients.”
“Both patients are being monitored and show no sign of an adverse reaction.”
Meanwhile, after several weeks without a COVID-19 case, two Australian states will loosen their restrictions this week.
In New South Wales, up to 30 people can cheer up on the dance floors indoors, and families can host 50 guests, out of 30.
Australia has recorded about 29,000 cases of COVID-19 and just over 900 deaths since the pandemic began.
Video transcription
– When Australia entered the third day of its vaccination campaign, its health minister told local media on Wednesday that two people had received incorrect doses of the coronavirus vaccine. The two patients, aged 88 to 94, received four times the recommended dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Health Minister Greg Hunt said human error was a reminder of safeguards during deployment.
GREG HUNT: I think it is very important to be at the front. The safeguards put in place immediately took effect. An on-site nurse identified the fact that a higher than prescribed dose was given.
Both patients are being monitored and both patients show no signs of adverse reaction.
– Meanwhile, after several weeks without a COVID-19 case, two Australian states will loosen their restrictions this week. In New South Wales, up to 30 people can cheer up on the dance floors indoors. And families can host 50 guests, over 30. Australia has recorded just under 29,000 cases of COVID-19 and just over 900 deaths since the pandemic began.