WA Health issues warning to medicos after wrong RSV immunisations given to patients

The Department of Health has sent an urgent reminder to medical staff to make sure they’re giving patients the right respiratory syncytial virus immunisation after receiving reports of some being given the wrong type.

A vaccine update sent out Thursday morning revealed RSV jabs meant for adults had been given to babies and children, and vice versa.

“Recent reporting to the Australian Immunisation Register and Western Australia Vaccine Safety Surveillance System has indicated that some Respiratory Syncytial Virus immunisation products have been administered incorrectly,” it said.

“Please ensure you only use the correct RSV immunisation products for eligible groups according to the Australian Immunisation Handbook.”

WA Health then provided a table summarising the appropriate jabs for each cohort.

There are three types of immunisations that protect against RSV, each indicated for a particular group.

Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is a long-acting antibody designed to give children up to age two immediate immunity against RSV. It’s currently funded by the State Government.

Abrysvo is a vaccine registered for use in women who are 28-36 weeks pregnant and for adults over the age of 60. It’s funded under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women, and requires a private script for adults over 60.

It should not be given to children.

Arexvy is another vaccine, registered for use in adults over 60 or adults over the age of 50 who are at an increased risk of severe illness from RSV.

It should not be given to pregnant women or children.

“It is essential to check the correct RSV immunisation product is being given prior to administration,” WA Health said.

The number of West Australians affected by these errors remains unclear, but it’s not the first time such mistakes have been reported.

Last week, the Therapeutic Goods Administration put out a medicines safety update for health professionals in response to reports of errors.

The regulator disclosed that as of June 13, there had been more than 80 reports of the incorrect jabs being given, with nearly 10 adverse reactions as a result.

There were 24 reports of Arexvy being incorrectly given in pregnancy, with five adverse events including pain, shortness of breath and a single report of chest pain.

There were another 24 reports of Abrysvo being given to children under 12 months, with four adverse reactions including irritability, fever and rash. One case caused vomiting, and another where the baby had an increased heart rate and increased breathing rate.

Alarmingly, the largest group of errors were 36 reports of Beyfortus — for babies and children up to two — being given to women aged 15-54. No adverse adverse events had been reported at that date.

“Vaccine errors are preventable, however the introduction of all three products with differing indications within a short period may be contributing to these errors,” the TGA update said.

“The potential consequences of these errors could include inadequate immunological protection, cost impacts, inconvenience and reduced confidence in vaccination more broadly.”

WA Health has been contacted for comment.