Steph Deschamps / December 11, 2021
New Zealand health authorities have launched an investigation after a man got the Covid-19 vaccine 10 times in one day, the country's local media reported Saturday. The individual may have been paid to get the vaccine for others, according to the news site Stuff.
The country's Ministry of Health said it is taking the matter very seriously. We are very concerned about this situation and are working with the appropriate agencies, responded the head of the vaccination program, Astrid Koornneef. Having an inaccurate vaccination status not only puts you at risk, but also your friends, your 'whanau' (Maori word for 'extended family'), your community, as well as the health care teams that treat you now and in the future, she added.
In New Zealand, people do not need to show identification to receive the vaccine. Many businesses and facilities in the country use a national vaccination certificate that allows only fully vaccinated people to enter the premises. Approximately 89% of New Zealand residents are fully vaccinated. With a population of 5 million, the country has reported approximately 12,500 cases of Covid-19 and 46 deaths since the pandemic began.