Several people who went to a Virginia clinic to receive the COVID-19 vaccine were accidentally given an empty shot instead.
The incident happened at a Kroger clinic in Midlothian, according to news station WRIC.
A spokesperson for the retail company told the outlet that “less than 10” people received an empty shot in place of the vaccine.
According to the outlet, the mistake occurred when a health care professional mistakenly assumed another colleague filled the syringes prior to the scheduled appointments.
“We apologize for this oversight and the inconvenience caused for these customers,” the company said in a statement.
The company clarified that each of the patients that were given an empty shot was notified immediately and called back to get re-vaccinated.
“All impacted customers were contacted and have now received the COVID-19 vaccine,” Kroger added.
Understandably, patients were shocked and unsettled to find out what transpired.
Carrie Hawes, who was led to believe she got the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine, told WWBT that she got the call on Tuesday.
“My initial reaction was shock and surprise, and a little anxiety,” she explained to the outlet.
“She put it in my arm, and I didn’t feel a thing,” Hawes later clarified of the experience on CNN.
Hawes explained that she was told they received “saline only” in the injection and that there was no “live vaccine.”
During her second appointment, she said the chain was more careful and transparent.
“They were very clear with me when we went in,” she explained to KRIC. “They showed us the vial to make sure it was Johnson & Johnson, pulled out the vaccine, she showed me again.”
She also told CNN that the real dose felt “different” and described a burning sensation as it spread through her arm.
Other patients who were vaccinated at the site tried to be understanding.
“This is a Herculean effort by the government and private industry working together to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible. Mistakes are going to happen in this process, I think that should be expected,” James Millner said. “But I think we should take it in stride, and it should certainly not deter anybody from seeking the vaccine or getting the vaccine.”
However, other residents worried the incident might deter those who were on the fence about getting the vaccine in the first place.
“There’s already people having problems already about, you know, ‘should I take it or should I not?'” Zena Vruce said, calling the incident “a little reckless.”
So far, the chain had administered upwards of 830,000 shots. Since the incident, Kroger said it has retrained workers and been in contact with local health authorities.
The Virginia Department of Health responded to KRIC, stating: “As soon as Kroger realized that the event occurred, Kroger responded by contacting the individuals impacted. There were no harmful risks related to the syringes used. VDH has weekly meetings with pharmacy partners.”
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram