Hamilton public health investigate claims COVID-19 vaccine went to ineligible people
Public health said it learned of alleged misuse of vaccine doses on Friday
Three workers at a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic are on paid leave while Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) says it's investigating allegations they gave 15 doses to ineligible people.
HPHS said in a media release it began its probe after other staff in the clinic raised concerns of the improper vaccination on Friday.
"While we await the outcome of the investigation, Hamilton Public Health Services will be reminding staff about their professional obligations to follow the established policies and the prioritization framework for populations who are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines at this time," read the HPHS media release.
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, the city's medical officer of health, said public health is committed to vaccinating people in a way that's fair, equitable and prioritizes people who need it most.
"Any actions designed to circumvent the vaccine program's eligibility criteria are unethical and unacceptable."
Right now, people eligible for vaccination include health-care workers, shelter workers and clients, and people aged 85 and older.
People in the latter category say they've struggled getting through to the city phone line set up to book vaccinations.
As of the end of Thursday, public health says it has administered 41,360 doses of vaccine. That includes 11,953 at the mobile clinic, 28,212 doses the Hamilton Health Sciences fixed clinic and 1,195 at the St. Joseph's Healthcare site.
Here's the current breakdown by public health of who has received a vaccine. It only accounts for 25,111 doses and was last updated on Feb. 16.
- Health-care workers have received 10,496 doses.
- Long-term care and retirement home workers have received 5,887 doses
- Long-term care and retirement home residents have received 7,225 doses.
- Long-term care and retirement home essential caregivers received 1,503 doses.