B.C. senior denied 2nd dose of COVID vaccine after apparent system error

UPDATE: This story was updated on June 18, 2021, to notethatfollowing his interview with CBC, Chris Lindgrenwas contacted by a Fraser Health representative to schedule another dose of the COVID vaccine. Fraser Health would not comment on the matter, citing patient privacy, but confirms "the situation was resolved."

An 81-year-old man in Mission, B.C.,is "confused" and "frustrated" after attempting to receive his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine only to be turned away by Fraser Health staff.

On June 11, Chris Lindgren saysstaff at Mission Memorial Hospital'sCOVID-19 testing and immunization centre, operated by Fraser Health,refused to give him a second dose, saying he had already received ittwo days earlier.

The senior, who received his first dose mid-March, insists that is not the case.

"I don't know what's going to happen if I only have one shot,"said Lindgren. "I also would like to have my second shot so I can see my family and my grandchildren and go out and socialize with people."

Fraser Health would not comment on the specifics of Lindgren's situation, but writes it has "strict processes" in place to keep track of doses, such as checking ID, recording names, personal health numbers, and vaccine lot numbers, and filling out vaccine cards.

Following CBC's reporting, Lindgren was contacted by Fraser Health to schedule another dose of the COVID vaccine.

"I'm afraid that it can happen to other people," said Lindgren. "They were so [insistent] that I had got my second shot on the9th, so there was nothing to discuss."

Multiple appointments confirmed

Lindgren says staff at the clinicdid not produce any documentation to support their claims, instead citing two witnesses who said they saw the senior receive his second shot on June 9. When asked to produce these witnesses, however, Lindgren says the clinic refused.

"I don't know how you can recognize the person two days earlier. And with a mask on," said Lindgren."I must have made a big impression."

The senior also claims staff filled out the second part of his vaccination card, after he produced it to show no second dose had been recorded.

An emailshared with CBC, meanwhile, shows Lindgren received confirmation on May 28for an appointment to receive his second dose, scheduled forJune 11 at 12:30 p.m.

However, a second email, delivered on June 9, indicateshe was also confirmed for an appointment at 10:35 a.m.that day. The email arrived at 10:36 a.m.

Lindgren says he did not book the June 9appointmentand that he andhis wife were busy at home that morning, before eventually going to Abbotsford, B.C., for an eye appointment.

"We had to drive our grandchild to school, and thengo to the appointment," said Lindgren's wife, Osa, 76."We were doing the chores we have to do. We have chickens and have tolet them out and feed them. The dog has to be takencare of.All the little things to get ready."

Cellphone locationdataindicates Lindgren's device was at the couple'shomethe morning of June 9.

Fraser Health says anyone who's unsure whether they received a vaccine, or what brand they received, can check the official record using theHealth Gatewaywebsite, available to those 12 and older with aB.C. Services Card and a mobile device.

Nearly four months after receiving his first dose, however, Lindgrensimply wants his second.

"I'm frustrated that it's gone this far ... I'm 81 years old ... but I'm not that out of it," he said.