PARENTS have been asked to bring their children in for extra jabs after a mix-up during a vaccination session.

Babies due to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and some forms of meningitis were mistakenly given one instead of two jabs.

The problem occurred at Shinwell Medical Centre in Horden, County Durham.

Now the parents of 20 babies, believed to be less than a year old, have received letters from the practice asking them to their children for an extra jab to ensure they are protected.

Anna Lynch, director of pubic health for Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT) said: "The practice and the PCT are very sorry that this problem has occurred and are taking steps to ensure that similar problems do not happen in future."

It is understood that instead of giving the babies two separate injections the vaccines were mixed and only a single injection was given.

Parents have been reassured that their children will not be harmed and are being asked to return to the Fourth Street practice or a local baby clinic to complete the course of immunisation.