Spain’s Shocking Vaccine Scandal: 253 Kids Given Expired Shots – What’s the Fallout?

Basque health minister apologises, says expired vaccines pose no risk to 253 patients affected, mostly children.

Published On 29 Jan 2026

Health authorities in Spain's Basque Country are facing scrutiny after it was revealed that expired doses of the childhood hexavalent vaccine were administered to 253 patients, primarily infants. This alarming disclosure has prompted an investigation by the public health service, Osakidetza, which is responsible for healthcare delivery in the region.

The oversight was discovered on January 15, 2026, and has raised serious concerns among the affected families. In response, Health Minister Alberto Martinez has publicly apologized, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Given the seriousness of what happened, we have opened an internal investigation to clarify and identify the link in the supply chain where the error may have occurred and thus implement corrective measures to prevent a recurrence of such events," Martinez stated.

In consultation with the national medicines regulatory agency, AEMPS, as well as the Basque Vaccine Advisory Council and the vaccine manufacturer, health officials concluded that the expired doses pose no health risks or adverse effects to the recipients. The childhood hexavalent vaccine is designed to protect against six serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. The assurance of safety comes as a relief to many, but the incident has sparked a wider conversation about the integrity of vaccine administration processes.

The Basque Country operates under a system of regional autonomy, which allows it to manage its health policies and services through its own Department of Health and Osakidetza. However, the central Spanish government retains regulatory oversight through AEMPS. This dual structure means that while local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day implementation of health policies, the overarching regulatory framework is managed at the national level.

The response from health authorities, along with the internal investigation, underscores the need for robust quality control measures within the vaccine supply chain. The incident not only raises questions about how such an oversight occurred but also emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining public trust in vaccination programs, especially amid ongoing discussions about vaccine safety and efficacy.

As the investigation unfolds, families affected by this incident are likely to seek answers and reassurance regarding the safety of their children and the measures that will be put in place to prevent future occurrences. This situation serves as a crucial reminder of the profound responsibilities that health authorities hold in safeguarding public health.