MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Dozens of people have learned this week that their first COVID vaccination shots were mistaken, and now they don’t know what comes next.
Dick Cecchini received his dose Tuesday at a Hy-Vee pharmacy in Mankato, more than an hour from his home in Lakeville. The next morning, he received a call from Hy-Vee to notify him of a problem.
The pharmacy says 62 patients received the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine diluted with sterile water instead of Pfizer’s saline solution.
‘We don’t know anything. Hold on. We will get you, ”Cecchini recalls being told.
He discovered on Friday that there was no reason for medical care. Questions remain about how protected Cecchini and the others will be from COVID.
‘The first shot, is it any use? What happens after the second shot? Do you have the same coverage? Cecchini said.
Hy-Vee doesn’t know yet. Cecchini personally contacted Pfizer. He says they don’t know either.
“If Pfizer doesn’t know, who knows?” Cecchini said. “I’m in limbo.”
Hy-Vee says that whatever the outcome, the 62 patients will not have to search or wait for a new appointment.
“I tolerate mistakes reasonably, because I am old and I have made a million myself. Is it how fast do you fix it? Cecchini said.
The Minnesota Health Department says the 62 patients are unlikely to have to restart their vaccination cycle. The MDH is awaiting confirmation from Pfizer and the CDC.