Public Health investigating allegations of inappropriate vaccine distribution at mobile vaccination clinic

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Public Health Services is investigating allegations received on Friday, March 5, that three employees working in one of its mobile vaccination clinics inappropriately administered approximately 15 COVID-19 vaccine doses to individuals who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccination.

The concerns were raised by other personnel working at the mobile vaccination clinic. In accordance with standard practice, the employees have been placed on paid leave and an investigation is currently underway.

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.

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

- Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health, Hamilton Public Health Services

Additional Resources

• hamilton.ca/coronavirus
• hamilton.ca/COVIDvaccines
• covid-19.ontario.ca
• Public Health Services’ COVID-19 Hotline: 905-974-9848 or [email protected]