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