The Department of Health today said it is investigating an incident involving a private doctor administering COVID-19 vaccines that exceeded the recommended use-by date to seven residents of a residential care home for persons with disabilities (RCHD).

None of the affected people reported feeling ill, the department noted.

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 Hong Chi Fanling Integrative Rehabilitation Complex, an RCHD in Fanling, on May 22 to provide vaccination services.

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

The department is highly concerned about the incident and has taken immediate action to follow up on the health conditions 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 department advised that there is no need for them to be revaccinated.

Furthermore, the department has inspected the RCHD to check the storage of vaccines and vaccination procedures. Staff are requested to follow the requirements of regular checking of the vaccines and timely disposal of expired vaccines in accordance with the guidelines of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.

The doctor's vaccination service under the Vaccination Schemes has been suspended.