Syringes reused at B.C. pharmacy giving COVID-19 vaccine; college investigating
Syringes were reused for COVID-19 vaccines at a B.C. pharmacy, the Fraser Health Authority has confirmed.
Fraser Health confirmed Tuesday by email that its staff had been made aware that syringes – "the plastic tube which holds the vaccine solution, not the needles" – were reused at a pharmacy in its jurisdiction.
A spokesperson described it as "an infection prevention and control lapse."
"While the risk of contracting a bloodborne illness as a result of reusing a syringe is low, we encourage all affected individuals to seek care from their family physician or walk-in clinic to eliminate this potential concern," Fraser Health said.
The authority did not confirm where in its region, which spans from Burnaby to Boston Bar, the pharmacy was located.
It said the pharmacy was participating in a provincial pilot program testing the ability of pharmacies to use a specific booking system, and that the location was suspended from the program once it was learned that syringes were being reused.
The B.C. College of Pharmacists is investigating, Fraser Health said.
CTV News reached out to the college, but it only confirmed the investigation, which is being led by its Complaints and Investigations Team.
A post on its website outlining complaints identified the pharmacist as Bhanu Prasad Seelaboyina who, according to a since-deleted LinkedIn profile, was the pharmacy manager of a Guardian Pharmacy location in New Westminster.
The college's investigation falls under Section 32.2(4)(b)(i) of the Health Professions Act. It wrote that the pharmacist agreed to limitations on his practice last week, pending the results of the investigation.
He cannot act as pharmacy manager during this time, nor can he administer any drugs or substances by injection.
His drug administration certificate has also been revoked, according to the college, which wrote, "The Registrant has admitted to using the same syringe barrel for multiple patients while administering COVID-19 vaccinations between August 24, 2021 and August 26, 2021."
It goes on to say that, "due to the Registrant's conduct and judgment in this case, the Inquiry Committee considered the above limits and conditions necessary to protect against further risk of harm to patients."
"We take control lapse very seriously," Fraser Health said of its role in the investigation.
"As soon as we became aware of the issue, our Public Health team began following up with impacted patients regarding appropriate next steps to ensure their well-being."
Health authority staff first attempted to contact these patients by phone, then followed up with a letter.
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control lists Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as among the "most notable" bloodborne diseases. Others include malaria, syphilis and brucellosis, though the BCCDC says there are many other pathogens that can be carried through the blood.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.