Information about vaccinations at Kareena Private Hospital

You may have received a letter from Kareena Private Hospital about a vaccination you or your baby received.

A recent review found that some vaccines given to mothers and babies may not have been stored within the recommended temperature range for part of the time they were held on site.

We would like to reassure you there are no identified safety concerns associated with the vaccines received. However, exposure to temperatures outside the recommended range can sometimes reduce how well a vaccine works.

This means there is a possibility that these vaccines may not have provided the full level of protection normally expected. Importantly, this does not mean the vaccines were ineffective, only that we cannot be certain they provided their intended level of protection.

We understand this news may be unexpected and we are sorry for any concern or inconvenience this situation may cause.

We are committed to being open and transparent with our families and to providing the information and support needed to help you make informed decisions about your health care.

We are here to support you with clear information and access to advice should you have any questions.

If you received an individual letter, it contains all the information about what this means for your circumstances and whether there is anything you need to do.

You can also find answers to common questions below (click on the + icon to expand each section):

I received a vaccination at Kareena Private Hospital

Your letter explains which vaccination may be affected and whether you need to take any action. Please follow the advice in your letter.

What does this mean for me or my baby?

There are no identified safety concerns with the vaccines or immunisations you or your baby received. However, some may not have given the level of protection expected.

Why have I been contacted?

A recent review found that some vaccines and immunisations at Kareena Private Hospital may not have been stored at the right temperature. As a precaution, we're contacting patients and families who may be affected. Importantly, receiving a vaccine that may not have given the level of protection expected will not cause harm and there are no adverse safety risks to patients or their babies.

I received an MMR vaccination

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. It is commonly offered after the birth of a baby to women who are not fully protected against rubella. Protection against rubella is particularly important for future pregnancies.

There are no identified safety concerns associated with the MMR vaccine.

As a precaution, we recommend discussing the information in your letter with your GP at your next convenient appointment. Your GP can review your vaccination history and advise whether any further action is recommended based on your individual circumstances.

I received a Hepatitis B vaccination

There are no identified safety concerns associated with the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Your letter explains whether any follow-up is recommended. If you are unsure about your vaccination history or have questions about your protection against Hepatitis B, please speak with your GP.

My baby received a Hepatitis B vaccination

Your baby may have received a Hepatitis B vaccination shortly after birth while at Kareena Private Hospital.

The good news is that babies are routinely scheduled to receive further doses of hepatitis B vaccine as part of the NSW Immunisation Schedule. 

Current clinical advice is that babies who receive their full hepatitis B vaccination course at: 

6 weeks of age 
4 months of age 
6 months of age

are expected to achieve the protection intended against hepatitis B. 

For this reason, the most important thing you can do is ensure that your baby receives all routine childhood vaccinations according to the recommended schedule. 

If your baby is already up to date with their vaccinations, or you have appointments booked to complete them, no additional action is required at this stage

My baby received an RSV immunisation

There are no identified safety concerns associated with the RSV immunisation your baby received.

However, there is a possibility that the immunisation may not have provided the full level of protection normally expected.

Your letter explains whether a replacement dose is recommended and the options available to you.

If your baby also received a Hepatitis B vaccination, please read the section above.

Important information