(file photo/LethbridgeNewsNow)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Five who got their COVID vaccine in Lethbridge mistakenly got a “water saline diluent”

May 17, 2021 | 4:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta Health Services is looking to get into contact with a few people who thought they were getting vaccinated against COVID-19, but actually weren’t.

On April 29, they say 10 people got a Pfizer dose at Exhibition Park.

“After a careful review, it was determined that five individuals who received their vaccine during a specific period of time when 10 individuals were immunized only received saline in their immunization. Out of an abundance of caution, AHS will be directly contacting all 10 potentially impacted individuals to rebook their immunization appointment.”

According to AHS, this means that the vaccines provided to these people are “potentially ineffective”, but only they are impacted.

“During a routine audit at the end of the day on April 29, an unused vial of vaccine was found. An investigation involving interviews with staff, and a robust review of vaccine logs and electronic documentation was conducted to determine how the discrepancy could have occurred.”

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“Though there is no impact on [the] general public, we are informing the public of this case and our follow-up actions as a matter of transparency.”

Diluent is part of the final vaccine product and is administered as part of the shot.

The vaccine and diluent are provided in separate vials, which are mixed together by a healthcare provider prior to being administered.

“There are no anticipated health effects from providing the saline to these impacted individuals. However, the saline solution itself does not provide protection against the COVID-19 virus.”

All impacted individuals will be given their repeat dose on or about the 21-day mark from their first dose to help ensure vaccine efficacy and reduce any potential side effects