Care home kids likely in vaccine trials

The site of the discovery of a mass grave containing the bodies of 796 children of St. Mary's Mother and Baby Home. Photo / Getty Images

Hundreds of children born to unmarried mothers in Ireland may have been used as guinea pigs for the testing of vaccinations, adding pressure to begin a full-scale investigation into care homes.

Ireland's 10 homes for unmarried mothers and their babies were said to have participated in the trials, which took place between 1960 and 1976 and involved 298 children.

In one trial, held at five different homes, 80 children became ill after they were accidentally administered a vaccine intended for cattle.

An Irish radio programme yesterday alleged wide-scale testing on children.

"My arms and legs were very badly scarred," recalled Christy, who was adopted from one of the homes - Bessborough House, in County Cork.

"But when I asked my Mum why, she said when I arrived my arms were very sore and they were bandaged. I didn't know anything about vaccination trials. I've since been to a few doctors and they said they'd never seen anything like it - with so many injections."

Sister Sarto, a former social worker at Bessborough, said testing took place at the home, but told Newstalk radio that parental consent was sought.