Pfizer Inc. says it has identified in Mexico and Poland the first confirmed cases of counterfeit versions of the Covid-19 vaccine it developed with BioNTech SE, the latest attempt by criminals trying to exploit the global vaccination campaign.
Vials seized by authorities in separate investigations were tested by the company and confirmed to contain fake vaccine. The vials recycled in Mexico also had fraudulent labeling, while a substance in the vials in Poland was likely an anti-wrinkle treatment, Pfizer said.
About 80 people in a clinic in Mexico received a fake vaccine for about $ 1,000 per dose, although they did not appear to be physically harmed. The bottles, which are found in beach-style beer coolers, have different lot numbers than those sent to the state, and an incorrect expiration date, said dr. Manuel de la O, the health secretary of the state of Nuevo León, said.
Polish authorities said no one there had received the counterfeit vaccine seized from a man’s flat.
The findings are the latest in an effort between law enforcement and drugmakers such as Pfizer, Moderna Inc. and Johnson & Johnson to stop criminal activity related to the Covid-19 vaccines. The worldwide rollout of shots has given criminals a new opportunity to exploit unsuspecting people.