Hamilton public health investigate claims COVID-19 vaccine went to ineligible people

Three workers at a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic are on paid leave whileHamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) says it's investigating allegations they gave 15doses to ineligible people.

HPHS said in a media release it began its probe afterother staff in the clinicraisedconcerns 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 forpopulations who are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines at this time," read the HPHS media release.

Dr. ElizabethRichardson, the city's medical officer of health, said public healthis 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'vestruggledgetting through to the city phone line set up to book vaccinations.

As of the end of Thursday, public health says it has administered41,360doses of vaccine. That includes11,953 at the mobile clinic,28,212 doses the Hamilton Health Sciences fixed clinic and1,195 at theSt. Joseph's Healthcare site.

Here's the current breakdown by public health of who has received a vaccine. It only accounts for25,111 doses and was last updated on Feb. 16.

• Health-care workers have received 10,496 doses.
• Long-term care and retirement home workers have received5,887 doses
• Long-term care and retirement home residentshave received7,225 doses.
• Long-term care and retirement home essential caregivers received1,503 doses.