Authorities in Spain’s Basque Country are investigating a public health incident in which 253 expired vaccine doses were administered to both infants and adults over the past two months. The case came to light following a complaint by the regional parliamentary group EH Bildu, prompting a review of vaccine handling protocols.
The expired doses involved the hexavalent vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, polio, and hepatitis B—a routine part of infant immunization schedules. According to the Basque health system, Osakidetza, the expired vaccines are not considered harmful, and no adverse effects have been reported among recipients.
However, EH Bildu criticized the health service for systemic failures in monitoring expiration dates, noting that some patients reportedly received two expired doses. The issue affected 12 of the 13 healthcare organizations in the Basque region.
In response, Alberto Martínez, Basque Health Minister, confirmed that all cases have been identified, and families are being contacted directly with guidance on follow-up vaccinations. Health authorities and the vaccine manufacturer recommend administering new doses to ensure full protection. Clinics have begun scheduling replacement appointments.
This incident marks the second vaccine-related controversy in the Basque Country within four months. In September 2025, a pediatric nurse in Santurtzi faced trial for allegedly discarding vials while falsely documenting vaccinations, leaving over 400 children unvaccinated in 2021 and 2022.
