Man Accidentally Receives Anti-Rabies Shot Instead Of COVID-19 Vaccine In Clinic; Nurse Suspended

A 45-year-old man, who went to a local clinic in India to get the COVID-19 vaccine, was accidentally administered the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV).

Rajkumar Yadav, a resident of the city of Thane, went to a health center Monday to inquire whether he can get the COVID-19 vaccine since he had recently undergone surgery on his lower back, reported The Times Of India.

The medical officer in charge of the center gave him case papers for the Covishield vaccine and asked him to wait in the queue. However, he reportedly got into a queue meant for the ARV.

"When his turn came to get the shot, the concerned nurse did not check his case papers or inform him about the vaccine dose administered. She assumed he was there for ARV and jabbed him with the same," Sandeep Malvi, a senior government official, told Hindustan Times.

Malvi said it was the responsibility of the nurse and the medical officer to inform the patient about the vaccine being administered, and to check the case papers before giving any shots.

According to Yadav, he got jabbed on both arms, following which he became suspicious. He then asked the nurse why he was given two shots, to which she said it was an ARV vaccination.

A panicked Yadav immediately reported the issue to the authorities. "She did not ask me to show any papers or asked what dose I was there for. I was shocked to hear that they gave me the anti-rabies vaccine," Yadav was quoted by News 18. "I have weakness and pain in my arm now."

Reports said the health center was situated in a slum where the majority of the people are uneducated. According to Thane Mayor Naresh Mhaske, it was the duty of the medical staff to guide the beneficiaries.

"We agree that the person sat in the wrong queue, however, the staff should inform each and every person what vaccine is being administered before the jab," Mhaske told Hindustan Times.

An inquiry was launched following, which the nurse and the medical officer were suspended. Yadav’s condition is reported to be stable and his health is being monitored.