67 patients tested for HIV after nurse reuses syringe for flu shots

The State Department of Health clarified that the nurse used syringes, not needles

(David Greedy/Getty)

A nurse who administer flu shots to staffers at a New Jersey pharmaceutical company has been reported for allegedly re-using one syringe for 67 employees.

The State Department of Health told the Associated Press that syringes, not needles, were reused by the nurse on 30 September.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending that the employees are tested for hepatitis B, C and HIV.

NBC Philadelphia reports that the nurse was hired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical in West Windsor as an independent contractor working for TotalWellness. The contracting company's president and founder Alan Kohll issued a statement saying his company would take “full responsibility” for the “terrible event.”

A TotalWellness released the following statement to NJ.com:

"TotalWellness, the employer group, and the New Jersey Department of Health are proactively working together to inform all participants and provide them the necessary resources and a plan to mitigate any potential medical concerns and exposure risks."

"TotalWellness is dedicated to ensuring all participants receive any and all appropriate screenings, care and counseling until this matter is resolved."