​The Department of Health (DH) today said it is investigating an incident involving a private doctor administering COVID-19 vaccines that exceeded the recommended use-by date to 21 residents and staff of two residential care homes.

None of the affected people reported feeling ill, the DH said.

It explained that while reviewing the vaccine orders and vaccination records, it found that the doctor concerned, who participates in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, visited Oi Tak Old People’s Home, a residential home for the elderly in Yuen Long, on June 14, July 7 and July 9 to provide vaccination services.

During these visits, he administered Spikevax JN.1 COVID-19 vaccines that were beyond the recommended use-by date to 18 residents.

Upon further investigation, the department found that the same doctor had also visited Quality Rehabilitation Home, a residential care home for disabled people in Kwai Tsing District, on March 26, where he administered the same brand of COVID-19 vaccines beyond the recommended use-by date to a resident and two staff members.

The DH is highly concerned about the incident and has taken immediate action to follow up on the health condition of the people affected.

The relevant COVID-19 vaccines have not exceeded their expiry dates. Taking into account the affected people’s history of COVID-19 vaccination and infection, the DH advised that there is no need for them to be revaccinated.

Furthermore, the department has inspected the two residential care homes to check their storage of vaccines and vaccination procedures. It has also requested the two institutions and the doctor concerned to take immediate remedial action to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

The doctor’s vaccination service under the Vaccination Schemes has been suspended, the DH added.