Causes and remedies for vaccination errors in the COVID-19 landscape

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VACCINES

Causes and remedies for vaccination errors in the COVID-19 landscape

By Kate Marshall and Belinda White
Vaccine graph
[Image: IMAC]

This article looks at common COVID-19 vaccination errors and their contributing factors, then provides advice to help avoid such errors based around the ‘seven rights of vaccine administration’

Key points, Common COVID-19 vaccination errors in New Zealand are giving the wrong dose for age and expired vaccines being administered. Tired, stressed staff a, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
References

1. Institute for Safe Medication Practices. Errors with COVID Vaccines Lead ISMP’s of Medication Safety Concerns from 2021. 27 January 2022. https://www.ismp.org/news/errors-covid-vaccines-lead-ismps-medication-safety-concerns-2021

2. Institute for Safe Medication Practices. ISMP Urges Steps Be Taken to Prevent Mix-Ups between Pediatric and Age 12 and Up COVID-19 Vaccines. 8 November 2021. https://www.ismp.org/news/ismp-urges-steps-be-taken-prevent-mix-ups-between-pediatric-and-age-12-and-covid-19-vaccines

3. Ministry of Health. Immunisation Handbook 2020. Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Health; 2022. https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/immunisation-handbook-2020

4. Wexler D. Technically Speaking: Know the “7 Rights” of Vaccine Administration. November 2014. https://www.immunize.org/technically-speaking/20141101.asp

5. Ministry of Health. Operating Guidelines for DHBs & Providers: COVID-19 Vaccine Immunisation Programme, Version 37.0. Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Health; 6 May 2022. https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-information-health-professionals/covid-19-vaccine-operating-and-planning-guidelines