The injections were procured and sent to the state by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bhushan Chakraborty, the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), Hooghly, said.

Chakraborty admitted there was negligence on the part of the health workers who had administered the injections without checking the date of manufacture and expiry printed on the ampules.

“Those who had already been given the injections were put under observation. Their health condition will be monitored for the next 24 hours,” the CMOH said.

“The toxic effect of the injections may bring severe health hazards. The side-effects depend on how old the injections are,” Chakraborty said.

Locals alleged that some children have developed respiratory problem after being administered the injections. Eight children, who were given the injections, have been admitted to Khanakul general hospital.