PATIENTS had to be recalled to be re-vaccinated after an error meant they were given the wrong dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

A pensioner was told he needed to return to Braintree Community Hospital as he had been given a “diluted version of the vaccine”.

The 65-year-old, who is a patient at Mount Chambers Surgery, claims he was one of 50 patients who were affected by the error.

He said: “I got a phone call from Mount Chambers to say I have been given a diluted version of the vaccine and I had to go back to the hospital and have it all over again.

“I went back and five or six other people said they were also there for their third vaccine.

The Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group admitted there had been a “minor error” and said “additional checks have been introduced to prevent this recurring”.

The man, who is now fully vaccinated, said he wants to make sure nothing like this happens again.

He said: “We were told there would be a doctor present at the time of our vaccine. There was one on site but I never spoke to them or got any information.

“I have an inquisitive mind, I asked how much of the vaccine did they give me and they said they didn’t know,” he said

“They said what we are going to do is give you the whole vaccine again.”

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The CCG confirmed no patients were harmed due to the error and said only a small number of patients were affected.

In line with Public Health England guidelines, all patients were invited back the same day for a full dose.

All over 30s are now eligible for a vaccine in England as the NHS prepares to extend the rollout to those aged 18 to 29.

A single-dose Covid vaccine made by Janssen has also been approved for use in the UK by the medicines regulator.

The vaccine, which was 85 per cent effective in stopping severe illness from Covid-19 in trials, has met expected safety standards.

Twenty million doses have been ordered for the UK, and will arrive later this year.

It will be the fourth vaccine to be used in the UK to protect against Covid-19.