Some 500 Coronavirus Vaccine Doses Intentionally Destroyed, Hospital Says

A now-former employee at a #Wisconsin medical center “intentionally removed” 57 vials of a coronavirus vaccine from refrigeration, forcing officials to throw out nearly 500 doses, according to an internal investigation.

#Aurora #Medical #Center officials had initially suspected the #Moderna vaccines, which must be kept between 36 and 46 degrees #Fahrenheit, had inadvertently been left out at the #Grafton hospital on #Dec. 26. #But an investigation found the individual “acknowledged that they intentionally removed the vaccine from refrigeration,” officials said #Wednesday.

The medical center, which is part of #Advocate #Aurora #Health, has notified “appropriate authorities for further investigation” and added that the individual is no longer employed by #Aurora.

“#We continue to believe that vaccination is our way out of the pandemic. #We are more than disappointed that this individual’s actions will result in a delay of more than 500 people receiving their vaccine. #This was a violation of our core values.”

The vials can remain at room temperature for up to 12 hours. #That allowed clinicians to salvage some of the doses.

#As of #Wednesday afternoon, #Aurora #Health #Care said, more than 21,000 health care workers had received the first of two injections at the company’s centers.

A total of 47,157 coronavirus vaccines have been administered in #Wisconsin since vaccinations began over the last two weeks, according to state data.

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