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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A disturbing federal investigation on vaccinations finds that vaccines are being stored improperly. The report issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services found that three out of four providers of childhood vaccines are storing them at the wrong temperature, thus rendering the vaccines ineffective and putting children at risk of receiving harmful diseases.

Jim LeBaron, Administrator for the Adair County Health Department, said he found the report shocking.

"I was a little bit surprised by the report. I'm glad that we have the record that we do here. You can come to the Health Department and temperature issues should not be a barrier to getting your children immunized."

LeBaron said the health department has never had a problem with storing its vaccines. It has participated in the nation's "Vaccines For Children Program" for the past 15 years.

The department has two refrigerators and one freezer designed to store vaccines at the proper temperatures.

"We have the right equipment. We also monitor the temperature twice a day," said LeBaron.  "So, that's how we monitor the vaccine. If we feel like a vaccines been compromised, then we will not give it. We also look closely at expiration dates. "

LeBaron said the health department has a backup generator if the power should go out. The Adair County Health Department's vaccines are inspected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services once a year.