More than 1,500 people in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago have been given a dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine which was stored at the wrong temperature.

The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) says the doses were administered at various locations across the two districts between December 1, 2021 and January 28, 2022.

It means the recipients won't have been as protected from Covid-19 as they thought.

"There is no risk of harm to individuals that have received a vaccine stored at an incorrect temperature," SDHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Susan Jack said. 

"However, in these circumstances the vaccine is not considered to be potent nor to produce a reliable level of immunity."

Individuals who were given doses of the incorrectly stored vaccine will be contacted by the SDHB by phone, letter or email within the next three working days and they will be advised to get a replacement dose.

An investigation into the mistake is underway, the SDHB said.

The district health board said the doses were delivered by an occupational health provider which has since been suspended from administering vaccinations pending the outcome of the investigation.

The SDHB says it is an isolated incident and temperature-related vaccine storage issues can happen at any stage in the journey of the vaccine from origin through to administration.

Mayor Jim Boult said it was reassuring to know the SDHB was investigating the issue.

“I would like to thank the SDHB for advising the public about this isolated incident as soon as they became aware and quickly putting in place steps to remedy the situation.”

SDHB chief executive officer Chris Fleming said the SDHB recognises the inconvenience and anxiety the incident may cause for the affected individuals.

"We sincerely apologise to those people who have been impacted by this incident, and also to their whānau."

Individuals who received one of the doses stored incorrectly will be able to access a fully funded GP consultation if they have any concerns and require further advice on a replacement vaccination, Chris said.

FAQs and advice for people affected is also available on the Southern Health website.

PHOTO: Supplied