The man’s behaviour has been branded ‘unbelievably selfish’
A man was vaccinated against Covid up to 10 times in a single day and is believed to have been paid to do so.
The man, who has not been publicly identified, has been called “unbelievably selfish” and authorities in New Zealand have launched an investigation.
Astrid Koornneef, group manager operations for the Covid vaccine and immunisation program in New Zealand, said the country’s Ministry of Health (MoH) was aware of the issue and is taking the matter very seriously. The minister has not said when the incidents took place.
“We are very concerned about this situation and are working with the appropriate agencies,” Koornneef said, according to the New Zealand Herald.
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Vaccinologist and associate professor Helen Petousis-Harris called the man’s behavior “unbelievably selfish” and taking advantage of somebody who needs some money.
The Stuff news website said the man had visited several vaccination centres and been paid to receive the jabs.
Petousis-Harris said the man who took multiple doses of the Covid vaccine is unlikely to come to any serious harm but is likely to have felt bad in the days after receiving them. People who received multiple doses may experience fever, pains, and headaches.
“We know that people have in error been given the whole five doses in a vial instead of it being diluted, we know that has happened overseas, and we know with other vaccines errors have occurred and there has been no long-term problems,” she said.
Koornneef said people who have had more vaccine doses than recommended should seek clinical advice as soon as practicable.
She added that assuming another person’s identity to receive medical treatment is “dangerous” not only to the individual but also to the wider community.
“Having an inaccurate vaccination status not only puts you at risk, it puts your friends, whānau (family), and community at risk, and the healthcare teams that treat you now in the future,” Koornneef said.
