Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Reused COVID-19 Vaccine Syringe Class Action Lawsuit Overview:
- Who: A New Westminster woman has lodged a class action lawsuit against Kent Pharmacy Ltd., its former manager Bhanu Prasad Seelaboyina, and owner Fabina Kara.
- Why: Powell claims Seelaboyina and the pharmacy broke their contract with patients and put their health at risk by reusing syringe barrels while administering COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in B.C. Supreme Court.
A pharmacy in Westminster reused syringe barrels on residents who were receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Lead plaintiff Marie Powell filed the class action against Kent Pharmacy Ltd., its former manager Bhanu Prasad Seelaboyina, and owner Fabina Kara. Powell alleges Bhanu Prasad Seelaboyina put the health of patients at risk while administering COVID-19 vaccinations at Kent Pharmacy, reports CBC.
Powell claims that Seelaboyina reused syringe barrels — the plastic tubing that holds the vaccine — on multiple patients between Aug.24 and Aug. 26. She says that after she was informed of the reused barrels she had to be tested multiple times over three months for blood borne diseases — including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, reports CBC.
COVID-19 Vaccines Administered Without Proper Training, Claims Class Action
The plaintiff argues Kent Pharmacy and Kara failed to properly train their employees and are ultimately liable for their actions, reports Coast Mountain News.
Fraser Health has since barred the pharmacy from administering COVID-19 vaccinations as a result of the alleged incident, reports CBC.
Kara told CBC in September that the incident “should have never happened,” and that Seelaboyina had been fired.
“My heart cries out … for these patients,” Kara said at the time.
Powell claims Seelaboyina broke his and the pharmacies contract with patients by not properly disposing of the syringe barrels, reports CBC.
Seelaboyina’s drug administration certificate has since been revoked in response to the alleged incident, according to a notice posted by the College of Pharmacists of BC, which says the former pharmacy manager has admitted to reusing the syringe barrels.
The former employee has also signed an agreement stating that he is not allowed to give any more injections and will no longer be allowed to act in the role of a pharmacy manager, according to the college.
“Due to the Registrant’s conduct and judgement in this case, the Inquiry Committee considered the above limits and conditions necessary to protect against further risk of harm to patients,” the college said.
Powell is seeking general, special, punitive, and aggravated damages for herself and all Class Members, reports Coast Mountain News.
COVID-19 vaccines have sparked legal action across Canada. A class action lawsuit was filed against Canadian National Railways last month by employees who disagree with the company’s mandate that they must be vaccinated against COVID- 19 by Nov. 15.
Did you receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy in Canada? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
- Former Prisoners Claim Prolonged Periods of Solitary Confinement Violated Their Rights
- Canadian National Railway Workers Threaten Class Action Over Vaccine Mandate
- Retail Council of Canada Warns New Appliances Rare Find as Pandemic Stalls Global Supply-Chain
- Third Class Action Certified Over Claims Aviva Failed To Provide Obligated Pandemic Coverage
3M issues recall for noise-reducing earmuffs due to potential breakage
April 30, 2024 | Product Recalls
