Parents may want to start asking questions about the vaccines their children are getting because a government study uncovered some real problems with the way those often-necessary doses are stored.
While looking into the Vaccines for Children Program -- which provides free vaccines to kids across the U.S., the study found that a whopping 76 percent of offices stored at the wrong temperature for at least five hours in a row over a two-week period. Some of the stored vaccines were also expired.
Although none of the clinics tested in the study are in Minnesota, the report is still hitting home.
Northpoint Health Clinic has a strict protocol when it comes to administering vaccines.
"Every day we check 'em twice," said Leigh Smith. "Once in the morning, twice before we leave. We monitor the temperature."
Not all other clinics measure up to the same standard, but a Minnesota Department of Health immunization expert told FOX 9 News patients won't be hurt by the vaccines.
"This does not represent a safety issue," Kris Ehresmann said.
Ehresmann said the main concern is making sure that vaccines are as effective as possible, and that's why Minnesota clinics are inspected every two years to ensure vaccine compliance.
Parents who need a little dose of confidence can do some checking of their own.
"Parents can ask their provider, 'Are you storing and handling vaccines appropriately? Are you checking temperatures?'" Ehresmann said. "Those are things parents can ask for their own assurance."
None of the states involved in the study are in the Midwest, and the study focused on vaccines for low-income children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have agreed to work with the clinics to improve vaccine management.
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