Florida Doctor Who Distributed Canadian Flu Shots Avoids Punishment

By Brittany Golledge

Published on August 09, 2005

After a contamination issue in England created a nation-wide flu vaccine shortage in the U.S., Dr. Hamini Challa, a Florida physician, sought an alternative in Fluviral and Vaxigrip, two Canadian flu shots not approved for use in the United States.

Dr. Challa distributed the vaccine to thousands of patients in Ocala, Florida before State Health Officials raided his office and ordered all of the remaining vaccines destroyed.

At the hearing before the Florida Medical Board, Challa's attorney maintained that his client had simply been trying to help elderly patients, and though admittedly he violated the law, no harm came of his actions. It was also pointed out that Challa had already had his medical malpractice insurance cancelled as a result of his conduct and been forced to pay out of pocket expenses for the destruction of the leftover vaccine.

Challa's patients rallied around him in support, many traveling to Jacksonville to take part in the hearing.

The board acknowledged Challa's good intentions, and voted unanimously to issue a letter of concern about his conduct and also require him to attend future meetings that would demonstrate the consequences of medical mistakes. Challa must also pay for the cost of his own prosecution.

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