Vaccination issue is now under control in Ohio

Improperly stored vaccines caused infections in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, but the issue in Ohio is not as widespread as it has initially been reported.

[dropcap txtcolor="#234a83" style="dropcap1"]I[/dropcap]mproperly stored vaccines are causing infections among business employees in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, but the issue in Ohio is now under control according to health officials. The Kentucky Department of Public Health said in a press release Friday that these vaccinations came from the immunization provider Location Vaccination, owned and operated by Fairshinda Sabounchi McLaughlin.According to Doug Hogan, the executive director of public affairs for the Kentucky Department of Public Health, those who developed infections associated with the vaccines reported experiencing “redness, pain or tenderness, swelling, and the development of hard lumps, or nodules, at the injection site.” Hogan also stated that symptoms may not begin until 12 weeks after a vaccination, and infections will not improve unless medical care is given.Location Vaccination provided vaccinations to businesses in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Infections were reported in vaccinations that were administered after Sept. 1, 2018. The majority of these faulty vaccinations were administered to businesses in central Kentucky. WPSD 6 reported that health officials found reported infections in Ohio in Greenville, Dayton, Georgetown, Norwood, Cincinnati, Columbus, Circleville, St. Bernard, Pike County, Beech Hollow, and Mansfield. However, the only Ohio business that received vaccinations from Location Vaccination was Rumpke Waste and Recycling. When the Ohio Department of Health was contacted for a statement, a representative said the department did not release a widespread public report on the vaccination issue because Rumpke was able to effectively contact all their employees and control the issue. The representative also stated that the problem in Kentucky was spread out with multiple businesses and thus required more public control. Amanda Pratt, the director of corporate communications for Rumpke, said in a statement that Rumpke took immediate action to inform employees using facts provided by the Department of Health agencies of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, so employees were thoroughly informed about the situation.According to Pratt, Rumpke did not employ or pay Location Vaccination, and vaccinations were voluntary. Additionally, vaccinations were offered onsite for any employees who wanted to take advantage of the service. Pratt said that onsite flu vaccinations have been offered at Rumpke for more than a decade now. “Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our team," Pratt said. “Rumpke is committed to cooperating with the state health departments to complete a thorough investigation and to ensure the best care and treatment options for anyone impacted by this situation.” Beyond the risk of infection, these particular vaccines are also possibly ineffective. As a result, Hogan encourages those who received a vaccine from Location Vaccination after Sept. 1 to get a second vaccine for full immunization from hepatitis A, seasonal influenza and all vaccine-preventable diseases.Hogan said there is no issue with the overall vaccine supply and Location Vaccination is no longer providing vaccinations. Location Vaccination was not available for comment at the time of publication.