El Paso woman given COVID-19 vaccine instead of flu shot at Walgreens

El PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14) - What should’ve been an ordinary trip to Walgreens to get the flu shot was anything but that for one El Paso woman.

Becky Martin said she went to the Walgreens on Resler to get her flu shot. Instead she received the COVID-19 vaccine.

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“She didn’t ask me my name, my birth date, or what I was there for,” said Becky Martin about the woman administering the vaccine. “And she poked my arm and said oh no I gave you the COVID shot and I was there for the flu shot.”

Martin showed KFOX14 the confirmation notice from Walgreens about her appointment to get the flu shot and the paperwork showing that she was given a COVID-19 vaccine instead.

“I had no idea anything like this would happen,” said Martin.

Martin said she had been waiting to get a third dose of the Moderna vaccine and was nervous to hear she’d been given the Pfizer vaccine.

“Everyone goes to Walgreens or CVS or different pharmacies to get their flu shot,” said Martin.

Dr. Edward Michaelson of Texas Tech said there’s nothing to worry about.

“This person should now consider that they have their booster shot and if anything they have more protections and antibodies against COVID-19,” said Dr. Edward Michaelson of Texas Tech.

On Wednesday, U.S. regulators signed off on extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine and said anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially, The Associated Press reported.

RELATED: FDA OKs mixing COVID vaccines; backs Moderna, J&J boosters

Besides a headache and a sore arm, Martin said she's doing ok and is counting her blessings.

“I want to make sure nobody get the wrong shot again because it could have horrible side effects or horrible effects for somebody,” said Martin.

She said she’s upset but considers herself lucky.

"I’m mad at myself that I didn’t ask more questions and wasn’t my own advocate. I know better and so people when they go in to get their shots even if it's with their own doctors make sure all the questions have been answered,” said Martin.

KFOX14 reached out to Walgreens asking about the incident and what they’re doing to make sure something like this doesn't happen again.

We also asked if the person who administered the vaccine is still employed by Walgreens.

Walgreens sent us this response:

Due to privacy laws, Walgreens can’t comment on specific patient events. Patient safety is our top priority. Generally speaking, such instances are rare. However, we take these matters very seriously. In the event of any error, our first concern is always our patients’ well-being. Our multi-step vaccination procedure includes several safety checks to minimize the chance of human error and we have reviewed this process with our pharmacy staff in order to prevent such occurrences.

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