Clinic Accused Of Fraudulently Obtaining Coronavirus Vaccine

KIRYAS JOEL, NY — An Orange County-based health care provider over the weekend was accused of fraudulently obtaining the coronavirus vaccine and distributing it in violation of state guidelines.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said ParCare Community Health Network, which has offices in Kiryas Joel, Manhattan and Brooklyn, "may have fraudulently obtained COVID-19 vaccine, transferred it to facilities in other parts of the state in violation of state guidelines and diverted it to members of the public."

He said it was contrary to the state's plan to administer the vaccine to front-line health care workers, nursing home residents and nursing home staffers first.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday the state is constantly on the lookout for fraud in the vaccine distribution process.

"Vaccines are a valuable commodity and there will be people who will break the law," Cuomo said during a news conference.

He said the state wants to send a clear signal to providers that if they violate the law, they will be found out and prosecuted.

He said any licensed health care professional, if found guilty of fraud, can have his or her license revoked, be fined up to $1 million dollars and face up to a year in prison.

According to the New York Post, ParCare issued a statement and said it followed proper procedures to get the Moderna vaccine.

The health care company also said it was approved to administer the vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health.

ParCare said it returned the vaccines pending review by the state.

Cuomo said New York State Police believe there is enough information to begin a criminal investigation, and it's being turned over to state Attorney General Letitia James.

Zucker said the state provided ParCare with the vaccine because the company filled out a form saying it was a qualified health center.

"That was incorrect," he said. "So that's strike one."

Zucker also said the vaccine was moved from one area to another, "which was inappropriate, so that's strike two."

He then said that the vaccine was administered to people who were not on the priority list.

"So that's strike three," Zucker said.

One of the people who was given the vaccine by ParCare said he asked if it was above board. Rabbi Herschel Schachter, a teacher at Yeshiva University, said he was told it was legitimate and added if it wasn't, he would not have taken it, the Jerusalem Post reported.