(KCRG) – 77 inmates at the Iowa State Penitentiary received overdoses of the COVID vaccine by mistake, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC).
Officials say two medical professionals incorrectly administered the Pfizer vaccine to inmates, with a dose higher than the amount recommended by the manufacturer.
After learning of the mistake, the DOC said they immediately contacted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for guidance.
Affected inmates have been warned of the error and medical staff are monitoring closely, officials said. The CDC and Pfizer have reported that they do not expect any major side effects, but have advised the DOC to monitor inmates closely for at least 48 hours. The DOC said they plan to do routine medical wellness reviews for several days.
According to the DOC, the only side effects experienced by inmates have been those usually associated with the Pfizer vaccine.
As a result, the DOC has temporarily suspended the administration of vaccines in prison while an investigation is being carried out.
The two nursing staff members who administered the vaccines have been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to the DOC, 200 inmates at the Iowa State Prison have received the first dose of COVID vaccine and 48 inmates have received the second dose. Across the department, 1,964 inmates received the first dose and 214 inmates received the second dose of the vaccine.
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