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Health company CEO stood down after Covid vaccine dose error

The CEO of Healthcare Australia has been stood down after two people were given four times the amount of Covid-19 vaccine in Brisbane.

Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed to reporters on Wednesday a doctor gave an incorrect dose to an 88-year-old man and 94-year-old woman at the Holy Spirit Nursing Home Carseldine in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the CEO of Healthcare Australia has been stood down. Source: Getty Images

Mr Hunt told Parliament on Thursday, Healthcare Australia CEO Jason Cartwright has "been stood aside".

“The company is installing new management, they are bringing in additional management,” Mr Hunt said.

“It is a company currently employing, has been employed through the course of the pandemic by the West Australian government, Victorian government, by Northern Territory, by NSW, and has a long history of employment on that front.”

The doctor responsible for administering the vaccine had not completed the proper training.

Healthcare Australia is one of the companies contracted to administer the vaccine.

Mr Hunt said a review has been undertaken of the training, "which was part of the contract" with Healthcare Australia.

He earlier told reporters Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy "threw the book at them".

"They are on notice of termination," Mr Hunt said.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison receives a Covid-19 vaccination at Castle Hill Medical Centre in Sydney, Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison receives a Covid vaccination on the weekend. Source: Getty Images

Elderly man who received vaccine 'has surgery delayed'

One of the people who received the dosage, an 88-year-old man, reportedly has had life-changing heart surgery delayed.

A source told the ABC the man was initially meant to receive the surgery just days after receiving the vaccine.

The delay is as a precaution.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd told reporters on Thursday "similar doses" of the Pfizer vaccine were administered in trials but patients showed no significant side effects.

“There have also been similar incidents of incorrect administration of higher doses of the vaccine reported in other countries as they have been rolling out their vaccines, including in Germany and the United Kingdom,” he said.

“As the minister has said, both the residents are doing very well. They have not experienced any side effects in relation to this dosage.”

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