"The Eastern Health Board's Director of Public Health, Dr Brian O'Herlihy, has reassured parents of children in Newbridge, Co Kildare, who inadvertently received a 3 in 1 booster vaccination for Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis, rather than a 2 in 1 Diphtheria/Tetanus vaccination, that they have no reason to be worried.
"He said that the only effect on their children would be that some might get a slight temperature or a sore spot on their arm where the shot was given. A similar type reaction can also occur with the 2 in 1 vaccination.
"At a routine school booster vaccination in St Conleth's School in Newbridge on Wednesday, 66 senior infant pupils were administered the 3 in 1 vaccine, rather than the 2 in 1 vaccine that is normally offered to this age group in Ireland.
"Dr O'Herlihy emphasised that the 3 in 1 vaccine is not contra indicated in this age group, and in fact it is normal practice in the United States to give it to schoolchildren between four and six years of age.
"He said that some children could get a slight temperature for a day or two after a Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis vaccination. About half the children would have a sore spot on their arm and some swelling for several days where the shot was given.
"On Thursday, Eastern Health Board doctors visited parents of children who received the vaccination to inform them, of what occurred and to check on the children.
"In addition the EHB set up a 24 hour freephone manned by doctors on Thursday evening which can be used by any, parents who are concerned about their children in any way. (Freephone No 1800 456400)
"However, Dr O'Herlihy emphasised that no adverse reactions, apart from those already mentioned, were expected and the freephone was simply to provide additional reassurance for parents who might be worried.
A spokesperson for the Eastern Health Board said that they deeply regretted any anxiety which parents may have suffered.
"The Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Health Board has set up an independent external group to investigate the circumstances leading up to and surrounding how the mistake in administering the vaccine was made and to review protocols to ensure that it cannot happen again."
Maureen Browne.
Communications Director