AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a baby was left seriously ill having been given an overdose of a TB vaccine at Scunthorpe General Hospital.

The baby, who was born on February 5, was injected with a 0.5mg dose of a BCG vaccine by a junior doctor, ten times the recommended dose.

Emergency treatment is now being given to the baby at Sheffield Children's Hospital with help from the poisons agency and an immunology expert.

The family, who wish to remain anonymous have appointed law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate the error, and discover if any other families have been affected following reports the overdose may not be an isolated incident.

David Body, medical law specialist for the law firm, said: "This is a difficult time for the baby's family.

"Their baby is receiving treatment for TB, which has its own side effects, but they are hopeful that the treatment will be successful with no long term damage to their baby's health.

"However, this case raises important questions about basic systems in hospitals to ensure the safe administration of drugs, including vaccines."

Scunthorpe General Hospital confirmed they were investigating the incident.

Lisa Webster, spokesperson for Scunthorpe General Hospital, said: "As soon as we became aware of this problem we commenced a full investigation.

"This investigation is ongoing and we are continuing to keep the family involved."