Pfizer says it is aware of counterfeit versions of its COVID-19 vaccine, developed with drug maker BioNTech, as criminals try to capitalize on the global demand for shots that keep the supply going.
Fake versions of its vaccine were found in Mexico and Poland, a Pfizer spokesperson said in an email to CBS MoneyWatch, confirming earlier Report good From the Wall Street Journal about Fake. The vials recovered in Mexico also contained fake labeling, while according to the company there was a possibility of anti-wrinkle treatment, a substance inside the vials in Poland.
Pfizer is working with governments, law enforcement, health care providers and others to combat illegal activity. Pharmaceutical firms urged patients not to buy vaccines online, insisting that no valid vaccine be sold that way. People can only be safely and legitimately immunized against coronovirus at official vaccination sites or in certified health care providers.
“We are cognizant that in this type of environment – the ease and convenience of ecommerce and fueled by anonymity borne by the Internet – there will be an increase in the spread of fraud, counterfeiting and other illegal activity as it relates to vaccines and remedies. COVID-19, “said a Pfizer spokesperson.
Pfizer’s seizure of last month’s fake inoculation of thousands of phony COVID-19 vaccines from warehouses and manufacturing facilities in China and South Africa, according to Interpol, according to international policing, is a seizure of last month.
Interpol Secretary-General Jürgen Stock said, “Whenever we welcome this result, it is only the tip of the iceberg when it is a crime related to the COVID-19 vaccine.” Statement last month.
“Serious health hazard”
The investigation of fake COVID-19 vaccines and the Department of Homeland Security by Interpol culminated in last month’s raid. Agencies have since warned against buying the alleged COVID-19 vaccine online.
“With criminal groups producing, distributing and selling counterfeit vaccines, the risks are obvious to the public: These may include purchasing a product that not only protects against COVID-19, but also when ingested or injected Poses serious health hazards. Such products. ” Agencies are not tested, regulated or security-tested Having said.
Interpol said it has also come to know about fake vaccine distribution and scam attempts targeting health institutions such as nursing homes. And at the end of last month, the World Health Organization indicated its concern about criminal groups potentially taking advantage of the huge global demand for vaccines, noting that some organizations have received COVID-19 vaccines. “Suspicious offers” for supplies were found.
World Health Organization
“We also know that vaccines are being diverted and reintroduced into the supply chain, there is no guarantee that the cold chain is maintained, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adnom Ghebeyes said In a media briefing. “Some false products are being sold as vaccines on the Internet, particularly on the Dark Web, and we know of other reports of corruption and re-use of empty vaccine vials.”
WHO in March said It traced fake products to be “supplied and administered to patients outside of authorized vaccination programs” in Mexico during the first month.
The WHO warned in its statement that, “Incorrect Kovid-19 vaccines pose a serious threat to global public health and place additional burden on vulnerable populations and health systems.”
Fraudsters trying to make a fast buck showed up early with the epidemic Televangelist jim baker And conspiracy theorist Alex Jones among those warned by federal authorities Stop turbine coronovirus treatment.
