A midwife from Long Island stands accused of fabricating the vaccination records of over 1,000 schoolchildren in New York State, primarily hailing from the New York City metropolitan area, as reported by the state health department on Wednesday.
According to the state, Jeannette Breen, the midwife in question, is alleged to have falsified the immunization records for approximately 1,500 children across the state at the commencement of the 2019-2020 school year.
As a consequence, Breen has been fined $300,000 and permanently prohibited from administering vaccines that are required to be reported to the state.
James McDonald, the health commissioner of the state, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The New York State Department of Health takes this issue seriously and will investigate and utilize all enforcement tools at its disposal against those who have been found to have committed such violations.”
Midwife: Falsified Records Uncovered for Various Diseases
The state has revealed that the falsified records encompassed vaccinations for diseases such as polio, chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella, with the notable exclusion of COVID-19 vaccinations.
To regain school admission, students must validate receipt or pursuit of the omitted vaccines.
City and state authorities have not promptly disclosed the number of affected schoolchildren in New York City or clarified their attendance status in public schools.
Jeannette Breen, the implicated midwife, has not provided an immediate response to a request for comment.
School immunizations have been a contentious issue in New York state, particularly since the elimination of non-medical religious exemptions in 2019.
This move sparked protests from anti-vaccine activists and certain parents.
Parents of the impacted students allegedly engaged Breen’s services and remunerated her to circumvent state vaccination mandates shortly after the cessation of religious exemptions, according to the health department.
Allegations Against Breen for Unapproved “Pellet” Use
Furthermore, Breen, lacking requisite federal approvals, is accused of administering an oral substance in the form of “pellets,” falsely marketed as alternatives to vaccinations.
Breen has remitted half of the imposed financial penalty, and the remaining payments are contingent upon her adherence to undisclosed terms outlined in the agreement with state officials.
