Vaccine error

[mimi2930]

Hey Just wanted some advice on a situation.  I'm feeling depressed ,embarrassed and ashamed. I recently gave a patient a covid vaccine that was a expired ,that I wasn't aware of ,so now I'm wondering if I should even continue being a nurse at this point

[DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN]

Everyone makes mistakes. Don't beat yourself up.

Expiry dates are a largely precautionary safety measure. The product doesn't magically lose all its potency on the given date. Some countries have a policy of donating expired medecines to developing countries, so, go figure.

I've taken bathroom cabinet medecines that have expired because I had nothing else. They were effective and I'm still alive. 

Now I'm not advocating that we all start ignoring expiry dates, far from it, but the point I'm making is you are unlikely to have done any harm.

At worst your vaccine may be slightly less effective. Possibly there are no repercussions whatsoever. Come clean, see if the physician feels partial re-vaccination or an earlier re-call date is appropriate. Even if (s)he says forget about it, you've done the right thing.

You obviously have a conscience about this, which demonstrates a good, caring nurse. Move on. You'll be sure to check all your expiry dates in future.     

[mimi2930]

Yea a safety report was done , the doctor and supervisors were notified  and we informed the patient and family .I've just been freaking out abt it and having a hard time coping

[DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN]

mimi2930 said:

Yea a safety report was done , the doctor and supervisors were notified  and we informed the patient and family .I've just been freaking out abt it and having a hard time coping

Try not to. You're human, and you've done the right thing.

[vintagegal, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Sounds like this was missed by EVERYONE and not just you. As a clinic manager and provider, I keep a file of expiring meds that are clinic dispensed. My company also has a policy to prevent these types of things. Don't take all the blame, you were the last domino in a chain of missteps. Hopefully you turn this around and create a QI project and implement some change. You will definitely be passionate about the topic now since it happened to you. 

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

as others have said, we all make mistakes and it was not solely your responsibility. I do have one question, when you gave it, do you not have to document manufacturer, lot # and exp date?  We have to fill in that info for all vax we give. 

[mimi2930]

Yes, we have to document all of that.

[vintagegal, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Let's be honest, most documentation occurs pre and post activity, very rarely is charting done in real time...