Punjab opens second inquiry into use of expired polio vaccine.

Byline: Aamir Yasin

RAWALPINDI -- A team of senior health officials from the Punjab government on Tuesday began an inquiry into the use of an expired polio vaccine and sought advice from the World Health Organisation on how to deal with those affected.

At least 50 children were administered the expired vaccine in Dhoke Budhal village on Chak Beli Khan Road in Rawalpindi district on Monday, the first day of an ongoing nationwide polio vaccination campaign.

'All the vials of the polio vaccine were retrieved from 15 union councils in the Potohar region and a new vaccine was provided to the areas where the expired vaccine was delivered yesterday,' Deputy Commissioner Saifullah Dogar told Dawn.

He said some vials of the vaccine were opened. The rest remained sealedbecause the expiration date was discovered early during the drive.

Advice sought from WHO on dealing with children administered expired vaccine

He said they are also looking into whether the video of the expired vaccine sharedon social media to sabotagethe polio vaccination campaign. 'The police's help has also been sought to investigate the matter in this regard,' he added.

Mr Dogar said two inquiry teams have been formed to look into the incident.

'The Punjab government also sent its team to check how [the vaccine]was delivered and why the supervisor did not check the date,' he said.

He said he visited the village where the expired vaccine was used and checked on the children.

'The children are safe and no reaction was found,' he said, but added that the WHO's opinion on how to handle the children was sought. Mr Dogar said the WHO said the expired vaccine...