A former Chicago pharmacist was convicted in federal court on Friday of this year after stealing and selling COVID-19 vaccination cards. His name is Tangtang Zhao with only 36 years of age. Zhao is now being charged and apprehended for stealing COVID-19 vaccination cards from the pharmacy where he worked in. As well as the selling of these cards in an online marketplace, according to the DOJ (Department of Justice). Zhao is being accused of selling these cards to hundreds of buyers across the country.
In the course of a three-week timeframe from March to April 2021, Zhao went on to post more than 650 COVID-19 vaccination cards online. Cards that Zhao advertised as “authentic” and “straight from the CDC.” The selling of these COVID-19 cards paid Zhao more than $5,600. The money he illegally earned by selling 630 cards to approximately 200 unique buyers.
Spread of COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19 began three years ago, causing and creating a worldwide pandemic. It was the biggest pandemic in a while that affected many children and their families. Activities involving multiple groups of people in one space together were restricted, schools closed down, forcing students to go into virtual learning, mandatory masking was enforced outside and around large groups, and people lost their jobs as companies went out of business.
This increase in unemployment had the biggest effect on families with multiple people in their households. They could no longer afford food to provide for their families since they lost their jobs. Additionally, 20 million adults (9% of all adults in the country) reported that sometimes their household didn’t have enough food to eat in the last seven days. Fortunately, this number dropped in December 2020, when a relief package was introduced that included Economic Impact Payments of $1,400. These payments helped these families put food on their tables and recover from the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Numbers also decreased, followed by the first monthly Child Tax Credit of up to $300 a month per child.
The Vaccine
On Aug. 23, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine was produced, which prevents people from contracting the Coronavirus, or if contracted, death is less likely to occur and the symptoms become mild. The process starts with one shot. Then it is followed up by a second shot after a few weeks. However, like most vaccines, they come with symptoms and side effects. People who received the vaccine experienced:
- Pain/swelling in the arm area.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tiredness.
- Headache.
- Muscle/joint pain.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
These symptoms, religious beliefs, and conspiracies against the government cause some people to avoid getting the vaccine. Moreover, the former pharmacist decided to solve this problem while also making a profit out of it, by selling vaccination cards on eBay.
The Purpose of a Vaccination Card
Vaccination cards contain information on the dates, dosages, side effects, and more. This information helps to keep parents, vaccination providers, and public health researchers updated, organized, and safe.
Additionally, using official government agency seals, like the CDC, without permission is a crime. These acts are punishable under federal law. Usage without permission will result in heavy fines or jail time.
Selling Vaccination Cards
Vaccination cards have proof and records of people receiving their COVID-19 shots with signatures and dates. Tangtang Zhao, a 36-year-old working for a pharmacy in Chicago, stole CDC-issued vaccination cards, and sold them to an estimated 200 buyers on eBay, making up to $5,600. He sold these cards for three weeks, stating that they were ”authentic” and ”straight from the CDC.” He was convicted of 12 counts of theft of government property. Now, Zhao is facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
By Micah Grison, Nohemi Sanchez, Khalyse Hemingway
Sources:
ABC News: Chicago pharmacist convicted of stealing, selling COVID-19 Vaccination cards: DOJ
Stateline: Yes, Some People Really Are Faking Their COVID Vaccine Cards
Aljazeera: Chicago pharmacist convicted of stealing, selling COVID-19 vaccination cards: DOJ
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Tracking the COVID-19 Economy’s Effects on Food, Housing, and Employment Hardships
US Department of Justice: Pharmacist Convicted of Stealing and Selling COVID-19 Cards
FBI: FBI-Chicago Warns Illinois Residents About COVID-19 Vaccination Card Fraud
NCBI: The use and significance of vaccination cards
Images Courtesy of Sheena Robertson – TNS Staff
