A major Sydney hospital is trying to contact women who had babies at the facility after discovering a fault in a refrigerator containing vaccines.
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital general manager Deborah Willcox said the vaccines may have been exposed to temperatures just outside acceptable or optimal levels.
"We cannot absolutely guarantee their effectiveness," she said on Tuesday.
Ms Willcox stressed there was no risk associated with the lower storage temperature and said attempts to contact the 570 women admitted to one of the hospital's post-natal wards was precautionary.
Babies born at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney between August 2013 and this month could be at unprotected against a range of illnesses following the discovery of a fault in a refrigerator containing vaccines.
A full investigation is underway and the hospital is trying to contact women who gave birth at its 8 East ward in that time
period.
A free clinic has been set up to re-administer the vaccinations, which protected against illnesses including rubella, hepatitis,
measles, mumps and diphtheria. The RPA is also offering to cover costs for women who may prefer to see their own GP.
Ms Willcox said there was a fault with the thermostat of the fridge on the eight-east ward.
"These vaccines may not provide adequate protection with some illnesses," she added. "On behalf of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, I would like to sincerely apologise for any concern this incident may have caused," Ms Willcox said.
Ms Willcox also said she wanted to reassure the broader community of the hospital's effectiveness and strong reputation.
Health Minister Jillian Skinner has asked the Ministry of Health to work with local health districts across the state to ensure the same errors are not occurring at other public hospitals.
"The failures that have occurred at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital are disappointing," Ms Skinner said in a statement.
"A full investigation is under way to guarantee all public hospitals are compliant with medication storage protocols.
"I'm advised measures will be introduced at RPA to ensure this incident does not happen again."
Mothers can vaccinate their babies again at a free clinic at Croydon Health Centre, Croydon, which will run until the end of the month.
The hospital has set up a hotline for mothers: 1800 300 243
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