Director of Health Constance Chan Hon-yee said today that authorities have received reports over the BioNTech shots, where packaging defects had been found in a vaccine batch related to the protective cap of bottles.
The vials containing the
BioNTech shots must be thawed and diluted prior to administration, which the department said they have received 22 reports of the liquid bursting out after pressurized during the dilution process.
The department also received 14 reports over packaging defects including the protective cap of the vial popped off, dislocated, or having stains found on the vials.
Chan said in view of citizens who already received the first dose of the
BioNTech jabs, having to receive their second dose this Saturday at the earliest, they will urge the manufacturer to give an update on whether the batch of
vaccines currently in Hong Kong can still be used.
She also pointed out that 150,000 doses among the batch of
vaccine in question had already been administered to members of the public, but stressed the
vaccine itself is totally safe for use.
