In Chicago, a federal jury convicted a pharmacist who had been stealing and selling CDC-issued COVID-19 vaccination cards. By administering the COVID-19 vaccinations, Tantang Zhao had access to the vaccination cards.
Zhao is a former pharmacist at company one. This facility issues COVID-19 vaccines at all of its physical locations. However, because the CDC requires proof of the vaccines we receive, a vaccination card for recipients is mandatory. Zhao, who worked as a Company 1 pharmacist, stole these vaccination cards and sold them through an online marketplace across the country. The platform they used to sell these cards was eBay.
In 2021, Zhao begun to upload sales for these vaccination cards which he labeled as “authentic” and “straight from the CDC.” He sold up to 125 cards to 11 distinct buyers for the price of $10.00. In court, Zhao was convicted of twelve counts of theft of government property. His expected sentence date is November 28th, with a penalty time of ten years in prison, according to ABC 7 News.
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.
Using official government agency’s seals, like the CDC, without permission is a crime. These acts are punishable under federal law. This statement is filed under Title 18 United States Code, Section 1017. Usage without permission will result in heavy fines or jail time.
By: Khalyse Hemingway
Sources
DOJ Pharmacist Arrested for Selling COVID Vaccination Cards Online
ABC7 News: Chicago pharmacist convicted of stealing, selling hundreds of COVID vaccine cards
DOJ: Federal & State Officials Advise Wisconsinites That Making or Buying Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Cards is Illegal
FBI: FBI-Chicago Warns Illinois Residents About COVID-19 Vaccination Card Fraud
NCBI: The use and significance of vaccination cards
Inset image courtesy of Marco Verch Professional Photographer Flicker page -Creative Commons License
Featured image courtesy of Pedro Szekely Flicker page -Creative Commons License
