A New Jersey pediatrician administered potentially faulty vaccines to 900 children from Nov. 1, 2014, through July 28, 2016, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. An additional 38 children immunized by the physician after July 28, 2016, were also given potentially compromised vaccines.
The vaccines were administered by Michael Bleiman, MD, of Southern Ocean Pediatrics and Family Medicine in Manahawkin, N.J., through the federally funded Vaccines for Children program, which provides free or low-cost vaccines for children.
On July 28, 2016, health inspectors identified 280 vaccines stored at an incorrect temperature, which can compromise vaccine efficacy. The vaccines were quarantined by the inspectors who reportedly instructed Dr. Bleiman not to use them. The vaccines were administered anyway, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
According to NJDOH, a review of temperature logs revealed the vaccine storage issues began in November 2014.
On Monday, New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino submitted a complaint calling for the suspension or revocation of Dr. Bleiman's medical license. According to the Press of Atlantic City, the complaint accuses the physician of fraud, negligence and misconduct in administering child vaccinations. The investigation into Dr. Bleiman's actions is ongoing.
The NJDOH said not all children treated by Dr. Bleiman will need to be revaccinated. Some may be able to get blood tests to determine if the vaccines were effective; however, such tests are not available for all diseases.
The health department is not recommending these children be held out of school and stated the decision of revaccination will be left to parents and their healthcare providers.
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