Nurse Reused Syringes On 67 Flu Shot Patients Who Are Now Being Tested for HIV, Hepatitis

But this IS NOT an excuse to skip your shot this year! (Photo: Getty Images)

A nurse administering flu shots to dozens of employees of a pharmaceutical company reused syringes, the state Department of Health said Wednesday.

Now, 67 employees of Otsuka Pharmaceutical in West Windsor are being tested for HIV and hepatitis as a result of this oversight, which happened when they received flu shots through their employer on Sept. 30. It’s unclear whether the same syringe was used on multiple patients or if several of them were reused.

An official from the New Jersey Department of Health sent a letter to the Otsuka employees informing them of the nurse’s error, which explained that “the needles were changed between each patient, but the syringe was reused multiple times,” NBC10 reports.

There is a low risk of infection and syringes that hold the vaccine, not needles, were reused, said officials at the New Jersey Department of Health. But state and local health officials, as well as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are recommending testing for hepatitis B and C and HIV, which can spread via blood.

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The nurse was an independent contractor and that the company is working with officials to notify patients and provide resources for potential medical risks.

“We take full responsibility for this incident and are working diligently with the New Jersey Department of Health to resolve this matter as swiftly as possible,” TotalWellness president and founder Alan Kohll said in a statement. “Our sincerest apologies go out to all those affected by this terrible event.”

Otsuka Pharmaceutical said in statement it was alarmed at the breach and that employee health is its top concern.

The Board of Nursing said it was gathering information and taking steps to protect the public but did not elaborate.

But for anyone who has yet to get your flu shot this year, remember, this story was a fluke and is not the norm. Most adults over age 30 get the flu twice every decade, and kids are infected about every other year. When the flu does strike, it can truly knock you down. So ask your doctor for a shot, or visit your local pharmacy today to get your vaccine. It not only helps you, it helps everyone around you, too!

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