Doses of the coronavirus vaccine may have been misdiagnosed and distributed across parts of New York, the state’s chief physician said Saturday.
Dr Howard Zucker, commissioner for the state health department, says his office received reports of the Parcare Community Health Network “falsely” getting the vaccine and moving it to facilities in other parts of the state. . “
The allegedly administered doses of vaccines for “members of the public” revolve around the state’s plan to protect frontline health care professionals and residents of long-term care facilities, Zucker said.
Parcare Community Health Network – designated by the state as a provider in Orange County – branches service across several Brooklyn neighborhoods.
It was not immediately clear what level of vaccine was suspected to have jumped frontline health care workers and whether it was the Pfizer / BioTech or Moderna vaccine. The DOH said it would not comment on Dr. Zucker’s Saturday statement.
“We take this very seriously and the DOH will assist the State Police in the criminal investigation of this case. Anyone found to have participated in this scheme will be held accountable. to the fullest extent of the law, “Zucker said in Saturday ‘s press release. .
At the end of October, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a partnership with Parcare to provide rapid trials in several locations across Borough Park and Williamsburg.
Representatives for Parcare did not immediately respond to News 4’s request for comment.