USA, 'Vaccine Queue Jumping' Crime Emerges... "Serious Crime, Police Investigation Support Will Be Provided"

COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna Pharmaceuticals. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] A violation incident involving the hijacking of priority for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine occurred in New York, USA.

The New York State Police have launched an investigation into fraud allegations against the pharmaceutical supplier Pakare Community Healthcare, Bloomberg reported on the 26th (local time).

The New York State government pointed out that Pakare secured vaccines through a false plan and violated the vaccine priority guidelines by engaging in so-called 'vaccine queue-jumping.' Previously, New York State had designated frontline medical staff, nursing home residents, and workers as priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination.

However, Pakare was found to have accepted online applications from healthcare workers, individuals aged 60 or older, or those with underlying conditions, attempting to supply the first vaccines to them.

Bloomberg reported that this 'vaccine queue-jumping' investigation by the police is the first scandal related to vaccine supply in New York State.

Howard Zucker, New York State Health Commissioner, stated, "We take this matter very seriously and will support the police investigation," adding, "Anyone found knowingly participating in this plan will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.