Thirty-one pregnant women at the medical service unit in Tuong Giang Commune were expecting a vaccination for tetanus, but instead were given a combination vaccine against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus, which is for new born babies.
The deputy head of the unit and head of this immunisation programme, Nguyen Quyet Thang, mistakenly used the combination vaccines on pregnant women on December 20. A member of the medical staff detected the error at the end of the morning vaccination session.
But Thang did not file a report until the next day, claiming the unit was too busy.
Mai, a local in Tuong Giang Commune, said, "This has never happened in our commune, that they gave the wrong vaccine to 31 people. "
She said the staff was trying to cover up its carelessness.
The Tu Son Town Medical Centre has examined the 31 women and the provincial Department of Health, working with the Ministry of Health, will monitor their health to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
A Health Ministry official, Tran Dac Phu, said the vaccine should be harmless to mother and child.
Thang has been suspended for 15 days and may face further punishment.