Thousands of COVID-19 vaccines may have an ineffective response

BISMARCK, ND (KFYR) – The State Auditor’s Office found that the ND Department of Health improperly stored COVID-19 vaccines, which could have made them ineffective in protecting against the virus.

A recent audit shows that at least 1,912 Moderna vaccines were stored at the wrong temperature before being administered to patients. Another 12,828 doses of Pfizer vaccines given to patients did not have temperature data.

The audit also says that the digital reading of the temperature monitor did not match the 144,988 doses of vaccine in the vehicle.

Accurate storage temperature is critical to ensure the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

In his report, State Auditor Josh Gallion says he recognizes the pandemic has created challenges for healthcare workers, but a higher standard of care is required. The report states that vaccines that are not stored properly may require patients to be vaccinated if they produce an inadequate immune response.

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