ParCare Community Health distributed the vaccine to members of the public instead of frontline healthcare workers and nursing home residents and staff.
What We Know:
- New York state officials are investigating one medical provider’s possible mishandling of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. ParCare Community Health Network, a New York-based group of treatment centers that offer primary care alongside a range of additional services, became the focus of a criminal inquiry after reports raised questions about its vaccine acquisition and administration procedures. New York State Police is leading the investigation, with assistance from authorities at the Department of Health.
- The investigation, led by the New York State Police, is being assisted by officials from the Department of Health. In a series of tweets issued on Sunday, ParCare expressed its intentions to “actively cooperate” in the investigation. “As we actively cooperate with the New York State Department of Health on this matter, we will continue to perform top-quality healthcare services to help New York come out of this pandemic.”
2/3 which includes frontline healthcare workers and first responders. Parcare Community Health Network has a long history of partnering with the City of New York to provide vital healthcare services to New Yorkers who need them most – including providing COVID-19 testing>>>
— ParCare Medical Cntr (@ParCare) December 27, 2020
3/3 As we actively cooperate with the New York State Department of Health on this matter, we will continue to perform top-quality healthcare services to help New York come out of this pandemic.
— ParCare Medical Cntr (@ParCare) December 27, 2020
- In an official statement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker released on Saturday, the department confirmed the investigation and that the center distributed the vaccine to members of the public instead of frontline healthcare workers, nursing home residents, and staff members.
- Pharmacy deserts prove to be a concern that has come to light since the arrival of the coronavirus vaccine and the uneven distribution among the Black and Brown lower-income communities.
A statement from ParCare acknowledged the department of health’s inquiry and assured cooperation while the state investigates.
