Ontario clinic accidentally gives people six doses of COVID-19 vaccine in one shot
A 75-year-old man is among multiple people in Ontario who say they were accidentally given the equivalent of six doses of the COVID-19 vaccine while getting their booster shot.
CTV News Toronto has spoken with multiple people who received their booster shot at the Schomberg Medical Clinic near Newmarket on Jan. 8 and were affected by the vaccine mix-up.
A 28-year-old woman and her husband, who asked not be identified, are among those who were notified about the dosage error a few hours after they got their shot.
She said they were told by the receptionist that the doctor didn’t dilute the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, meaning they had received six times the proper dose.
According to health officials, each Pfizer COVID-19 vial contains 0.25 mL of product, which saline is added to and is enough vaccine for six doses.
In this case, the vaccine was not diluted and people were given the full vial.
"We were kind of freaked out," she told CTV News Toronto. "Then we started feeling really crappy that night. The whole next couple of days we had a really bad fever, chills, and body aches. We were knocked out for a couple of days."
She said she contacted her family doctor, who told her she had never heard of this issue occurring before. They were told by their doctor to monitor for any unusual symptoms over the next several months.
The clinic sent her an incident report, which CTV News Toronto has viewed. It doesn't include much detail, except to say she received an "undiluted dose."
"The doctor should have never messed that up," she said, adding that she has concerns about potential long-term effects.
She said she was told by reception at the clinic that more than 20 people received an undiluted dose that day.
CTV News Toronto attempted to contact the doctor who administered the shots but did not receive a response. The clinic's voicemail says Jan. 8 was the first day they administered COVID-19 vaccines.
The daughter of the 75-year-old man who also received the undiluted dose said her dad was left "very lethargic and confused."
"He had no appetite. He wasn't eating for about two days," the woman, who also preferred not be identified, said.
She said her dad was taken to his family doctor to be checked.
"My dad luckily was okay. He had his blood checked, his heart rate checked. We did everything that public health told us to do, including contacting poison control."
She said they also filed a complaint with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
"You know, you make a mistake, you make a mistake, but to do it multiple times? This is people's health involved."
CTV News Toronto also spoke with a mother whose teenage son was given an undiluted dose.
York Region Public Health said in a statement they have been notified of the error at Schomberg Medical Centre.
"We know this type of incident can cause anxiety for many people," Patrick Casey, Director of Corporate Communications, said. "Rest assured COVID-19 vaccines are safe and administration errors are extremely rare."
Casey did not specify how many people received an incorrect dose.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
BREAKING Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
BREAKING 1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured
Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street