For immediate release: November 5, 2004 (04-129)

Contacts: Tim Church, Communications Office 360-236-4077

OLYMPIA ¾ The Medical Quality Assurance Commission and the state Department of Health have charged Bellingham physician Gary McCallum (MD00034396) with unprofessional conduct for alleged fraud and misrepresentation.

According to the charges, Dr. McCallum allegedly used expired flu vaccine to vaccinate 55 patients. After receiving a complaint, commission investigators made an unannounced visit to McCallum’s practice in Bellingham. At that time he provided them with two vials of expired flu vaccine and told investigators he had been using flu vaccine purchased in Canada last year. The vaccine administered was produced for the 2003 flu season and expired in July of this year. However, patients were told the vaccine was appropriate for the current flu season.

Getting a vaccine from last year shouldn’t cause health problems, but those vaccinated may not be protected against flu viruses this season. The Department of Health believes the vaccine was administered from October 15 through November 2. The state has identified patients who were vaccinated with the expired vaccine, and the Whatcom County Health Department is in the process of contacting them.

McCallum has the right to request either a settlement conference or a hearing to defend against the unprofessional conduct charges.

The Medical Quality Assurance Commission regulates physicians and physician assistants in Washington state. The program establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms and discipline. Rules, policies and procedures promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.

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