Byford nurse charged with COVID-19 vaccine fraud

Monday, 8 November 2021 09:50

By Monique Welhan

PIC: File

A 51-year-old registered nurse has been arrested after allegedly pretending to give a teenager a COVID-19 vaccination and updating their records in the public health system.

The woman, who works at a private medical centre in St James, allegedly got approval from her employer to vaccinate people known to her.

On Sunday, a person known to the nurse attended the medical centre and arranged for their teenage child to be administered with a COVID-19 vaccine.

"As per standard practice a second medical practitioner, on this occasion a doctor, observed the process," a WA Police spokesperson said.

The nurse allegedly inserted the needle into the teenager's arm but did not actually administer the vaccine.

The syringe, with the vaccine liquid still inside, was allegedly disposed of and a false entry was made on the medical records system indicating the teenager had received the vaccine.

The medical centre reported the matter to WA Police and an investigation was launched.

A 51-year-old Byford woman was arrested at her home on Sunday and charged with one count of gains benefit by fraud.

She was refused bail and is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court today.

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