Dozens of Iowa prisoners were given overdoses of COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, believed to be up to six times the normal amount, The New York Post reports.
None of the 77 inmates at Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison required outside medical attention from their side effects. However an internal investigation at the state facility has started because of the incident, according to the Des Moines Register, citing the state Department of Corrections.
“The large majority of inmates continue to have very minor symptoms consistent with those that receive the recommended dose of the vaccine,” Cord Overton, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Corrections, told the newspaper.
“The affected inmates have been notified and are being closely monitored by medical staff. At this time, the only side effects experienced by the inmates are those commonly associated with the Pfizer vaccine,” Overton said.
Common symptoms included body aches and arm soreness, according to Overton.
“One inmate has experienced a low-grade fever, which was treatable with Tylenol,” Overton said.
The mother of one of the inmates told the newspaper that some inmates suffered nausea, dehydration and significant bruising where the shot was administered.
Two nurses who administered the vaccine doses have been placed on leave pending an investigation.