A SCOTTISH health board has been forced to apologise after some members of the public were given out-of-date coronavirus vaccines.

NHS Grampian is now in the process of contacting more than 40 people impacted by the error, which took place at the start of the month.

They say there is a "very small possibility of reduced effectiveness". 

The out-of-date jabs were given to 42 people who attended Stonehaven Vaccination Centre on February 1, according to the BBC.

All patients affected are aged 12 and older.

The health board added that despite being 48 hours past the expiry date, it believed that "the doses administered are safe and will still protect", however those affected are being offered another jab if they want one.

It added that its "investigations to date suggest this was an isolated incident and no other centres are affected". 

An NHS spokeswoman told the BBC: "We believe the doses administered are safe and will still protect.

"However, there is a very small possibility of reduced effectiveness, therefore we are offering re-vaccination if those affected want this. 

"We are contacting them directly to apologise and to offer them this, according to their personal circumstances."