Did some people jump Hamilton’s vaccine queue?

Hamilton public health is keeping mum about allegations that three of its employees administered 15 COVID-19 vaccine doses to people who are not yet eligible.

The city said in a news release over the weekend the doses were inappropriately administered Friday at one of its five mobile vaccination clinics.

An investigation into the claims has been launched. The release said public health was notified of the alleged misappropriation after other clinic staff raised concerns.

The three workers subject to the complaints have been placed on paid leave.

We aren't able to share any additional information beyond what is in the release at this point, pending the investigation," spokesperson Jasmine Graham said Sunday, noting Hamilton police are not yet involved in the probe.

It remains unclear where exactly the vaccine doses were administered and to whom.

Only those aged 85 and over are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Hamilton.

Public health began a rollout of pop-up vaccination clinics March 3. All clinics are by appointment only. The sites of the clinics are: Saltfleet Community Centre in Winona, the Municipal Service Centre in Binbrook, the Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M., Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre and the Harry Howell Arena in Waterdown.

The city is committed to ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines are administered in a way that is fair, equitable and based on criteria that prioritizes those that are most in need," Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton's medical officer of health, said in the release.

Any actions designed to circumvent the vaccine program's eligibility criteria are unethical and unacceptable."

Sebastian Bron is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sbron@thespec.com