It is possible that doses of the coronavirus vaccine were obtained and distributed improperly by parts of New York, the state’s top doctor said on Saturday.
Dr. Howard Zucker, commissioner of the state health department, says his office received reports from the Parcare community health network that he “fraudulently obtained” the vaccine and transferred it to “health care facilities.” ‘other parts of the state’.
Vaccine doses allegedly diverted for “members of the public” elude the state’s plan to inoculate top-notch health care professionals and long-term care center residents, Zucker said.
Parcare Community Health Network, identified by the state as a provider in Orange County, offers offices in several neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
It was not immediately known which vaccine was suspected to have been skipped by front-line health workers and whether it was the Pfizer / BioTech or Moderna vaccine. The DOH said it would not comment beyond Dr. Zucker’s Saturday statement.
“We take it very seriously and DOH will assist the state police in a criminal investigation into this matter. Anyone who has knowingly participated in this scheme will be held liable to the fullest extent of the law,” Zucker said in a Saturday press release .
In late October, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a partnership with Parcare to increase the availability of rapid testing at several Borough Park and Williamsburg locations.
Parcare representatives did not immediately respond to News 4’s request for comment.