A Virginia vaccine clinic mistakenly gave patients what they believed were COVID-19 shots, but were actually empty syringes.
The incident occurred when a worker incorrectly assumed another colleague had filled the syringes before appointments Monday at a Kroger clinic in Midlothian, the WRIC news station reported.
“Less than 10” people received an empty shot instead of the vaccine, a Kroger spokesman said at the exit.
The grocery chain, which has handled more than 830.00 shots nationwide, apologized for the mistake.
“We apologize for this oversight and the inconvenience caused by these customers,” the company said in a statement.
Each of the patients who received one of the empty shots was notified.
“All affected customers were contacted and they have now received the COVID-19 vaccine,” Kroger said.
Carrie Hawes, who was one of the patients, said she was shocked to receive the call Tuesday notifying her that she was not receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“My initial reaction was shock and surprise, and a bit of anxiety,” he told the WWBT news channel.
He said they were more careful when he went to get his second date.
“They were very clear with me when we walked in,” he said. “They showed us the vial to make sure it was Johnson & Johnson, they took out the vaccine, he showed it to me again.”
Kroger said they have recycled the clinic workers and contacted local health authorities.
“We are working closely with the Virginia Department of Health on this issue,” the company said.