15 COVID-19 vaccines allegedly given to non-priority groups in Hamilton

Mar 7 2021, 5:53 pm

Officials near Toronto are investigating after city staff allegedly doled out more than a dozen COVID-19 vaccines “inappropriately.”

In a release, Hamilton Public Health Services said it had received reports from staff that three employees had administered vaccines to non-priority groups.

Approximately 15 doses were given to ineligible individuals at a mobile vaccination clinic, the health unit said.

Under Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, only certain priority groups, such as those over the age of 80 and health care workers, are currently able to receive a vaccine.

“The City is committed to ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines are administered in a way that is fair, equitable, and based on criteria that prioritizes those that are most in need,” said Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health.

“Any actions designed to circumvent the vaccine program’s eligibility criteria are unethical and unacceptable.”

While the investigation continues, the three employees have been placed on paid leave, which the health united noted is standard practice.

The three employees have been placed on paid leave as the investigation continues, which the health unit noted is standard practice.

Hamilton Public Health Services said it would be reminding staff about their “professional obligation” to follow the province’s COVID-19 vaccine prioritization framework.

To date, Ontario has seen 308,296 COVID-19 cases and 7,067 virus-related deaths.

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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