A vaccination clinic in Virginia accidentally gave COVID-19 shots to patients, but were actually empty syringes.
The accident occurred when a worker mistakenly assumed that another colleague had filled the syringes before the appointments Monday at a Kroger clinic in Midlothian, reports the news station WRIC.
“Less than ten” people received an empty shot instead of the vaccine, a Kroger spokesman told the outlet.
The grocery store chain, which fired more than 830.00 shots across the country, apologized for the mistake.
“We apologize for this oversight and the inconvenience this customer is causing,” the company said in a statement.
Each of the patients who received one of the empty shots was notified.
“All affected customers have been contacted and have now received the COVID-19 vaccine,” Kroger said.
Carrie Hawes, who was one of the patients, said she was shocked when she received the call Tuesday and informed her that she had not received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“My initial reaction was shock and surprise, and a little anxiety,” she told WWBT news station.
She said they were more careful when she went to her second appointment.
“They were very clear with me when we entered,” she said. ‘They showed us the vial to make sure it was Johnson & Johnson. They pulled out the vaccine and she showed me again. ‘
Kroger said they trained workers at the clinic and contacted local health authorities.
“We are working closely with the Virginia Department of Health on this matter,” the company said.