Thursday, December 31, 2020

Aurora pharmacist arrested after police say he sabotaged more than 500 COVID-19 vaccine doses

From JSOnline:
Alison DirrRory LinnaneGuy Boulton
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel



A pharmacist accused of tampering with over 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine at Advocate Aurora Health Hospital in Grafton was arrested Thursday.

Grafton police said the pharmacist, a Grafton resident, removed 57 vials from a refrigerator and left them out overnight last week. They said the man knew this would render the vaccines "useless" and make people who received them believe they were vaccinated when they were not.

Each vial contained about 10 doses of vaccine. Aurora discarded more than 500 doses and Thursday said it has determined 57 people were given less-effective or ineffective vaccines.

Police recommended felony charges of recklessly endangering safety, adulterating a prescription drug, and criminal damage to property. They estimated the cost of lost vaccine to be between $8,000 and $11,000.

Police said they are still investigating the man's motive and have not released his name. He is being held at the Ozaukee County Jail.

The FBI and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were also investigating, police said.

Aurora officials had previously reported the incident was a mistake, but Wednesday night announced it had fired the employee after discovering the actions were intentional.

Read more: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2020/12/31/500-doses-covid-19-vaccine-thrown-out-hospital-worker-aurora-removed-from-fridge-on-purpose-grafton/4098837001/


I hooked up with Aurora over 25 years ago.  Back then, it was a great healthcare provider.  Things are not the same today.  I've thought about switching to Ascension lately, but I'm afraid of jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. 

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