The Incident Unfolds

• The mother of the child initially reported the incident on social media, posting photos of the vaccine packaging showing an expiration date of July 11, 2024.
• The vaccine was identified as Menactra.
• The Cesar Ministry of Health responded instantly, launching an investigation into potential violations of vaccine management and request protocols.

Official Response

Georgina Sánchez Daza, Cesar Health Secretary, confirmed the incident and detailed the steps taken to investigate.

We learned of social networks, like everyone else, when the girl’s mother published her complaint accompanied by photos that show the expiration date of the vaccine. Immediately, we activate the inspection, surveillance and control protocol
Georgina Sánchez Daza, Cesar Health Secretary

Key Points

• The Menactra vaccine is not part of the Ministry of Health’s regular vaccination program.
• This means the vaccine was acquired privately by the IPS Santa Helena del Valle.
• The Ministry of health emphasizes that this incident should not undermine confidence in the national vaccination scheme.

Investigation and Audit

The Ministry of Health formed a special team, including members of the expanded Immunization Program (PAI), health surveillance inspectors, and the secretary herself, to conduct a thorough audit of the IPS.

The investigation will cover:

• Storage protocols
• Traceability of the vaccine purchase
• Acquisition invoice
• Conservation conditions
• Inventory control
• Procedures that led to the administration of an expired vaccine

Sánchez daza stated, We are going to demand the acquisition invoice, the conservation conditions, the inventory control and the procedures that led to an expired vaccine being applied to a baby. That is inadmissible.

An administrative process against IPS is underway, prompted by photographic evidence confirming the use of an expired vaccine. Only with photographic evidence there is already a proven fact: the vaccine was defeated. The administrative process goes,but we still have to review all the findings to determine if there is place for major sanctions or even complaints of control entities, Sánchez Daza said.

Medical Monitoring

The ministry of Health has activated a specialized monitoring protocol for the baby, even though no serious adverse effects have been reported.

Between the Secretariat and IPS we will guarantee close medical surveillance.The girl will be valued by pediatrics and, if necesary, will be sent to pediatric infectology Sánchez Daza explained.

Specialists from the National Institute of Health and experts in vaccinology have been consulted. Revaccination, under medical supervision, has been suggested to ensure protection against meningococcal meningitis.

Reaching Out

The Ministry of Health plans to meet with the child’s mother to address her concerns and provide reassurance. I want to sit with her, listen to her, explain what we are doing and, above all, give her peace of mind. I understand yoru concern as a mother, and you are right to demand answers Sánchez said.

The Ministry also urged the public not to generalize the incident or create unfounded fears about the national vaccination scheme. We reiterate that this vaccine is not part of the regular plan of the Ministry of health. The vaccines distributed by the Secretariat are safe, are in permanent control and have traceability in their lots and expiration dates Sánchez Daza emphasized.

Potential Sanctions

The IPS inspection could lead to administrative sanctions. We cannot anticipate decisions until we have the complete results of the audit, but if a systematic failure is confirmed, there will be consequences.These types of errors cannot be repeated the secretary insisted.

Moving Forward

The case highlights the need for stricter internal controls at IPS facilities that handle privately acquired vaccines. Proper management of cold chains, constant verification of lots, and rigorous application procedures are essential to prevent future incidents.

The Cesar Ministry of Health has pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses and to ensure the affected child receives comprehensive healthcare. This case should serve as a lesson for the entire health system. It is not enough to have good intentions: the protocols must be met to the letter Sánchez concluded.

FAQ

• What vaccine was administered?

  The vaccine was Menactra, used to protect against meningococcal meningitis.

• Where did this happen?

  At the IPS Santa Helena del Valle in Valledupar, Colombia.

• What is the ministry of Health doing?

  They are conducting an administrative investigation and providing medical monitoring for the child.

• Was the vaccine part of the national program?

  No, it was acquired privately by the IPS.