B.C. health minister says allegations made against Burnaby pharmacy over vaccine card
Posted March 25, 2022 6:34 am.
Last Updated March 27, 2022 4:27 pm.
A Burnaby pharmacy has lost the ability to dispense prescriptions as it faces an investigation over allegations it was entering people in the COVID-19 vaccine system without actually giving them the shots.
This would allow a person to download the BC Vaccine Card, which remains necessary to access a variety of non-essential services until April 8.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says the investigation is into the specific pharmacy location in Burnaby — and not the chain to which it belongs.
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He says if the allegations are proven true, those at fault could face discipline from the College of Pharmacists of BC or be charged by police. An email statement from the Ministry of Health adds the pharmacy could also face termination of enrolment in the PharmaCare program.
Fraudulent vaccine records will also be removed from the Provincial Immunization Registry and BC Vaccine Cards will be revoked.
The statement adds, “The ministry has served the pharmacy notice under the Pharmaceutical Services Act that payments made under PharmaCare are being suspended and it can no longer participate in the ImmsBC program.”
“We understand that some people are hesitant to get COVID-19 vaccines and have been lured into scams. We want to stress that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective,” the email statement reads. “We strongly encourage eligible British Columbians to get fully vaccinated. It is the best thing they can do to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe from COVID-19.”
The College of Pharmacists of BC says it is not able to provide information on any ongoing or active investigations.
(CityNews Image)
