Health Canada is warning Canadians not to buy COVID-19 vaccines sold over the internet.
According to the health agency, there are counterfeit or fake COVID-19 vaccines are being sold online from online and are urging Canadians not to purchase them.
“Counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines may pose serious health risks, and are ineffective at protecting an individual from the COVID-19 virus,” said Health Canada in a news release.
The warning comes a day after the first doses of a coronavirus vaccine were administered in Canada, including British Columbia.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, has said the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines are being given to British Columbians at designated locations on the Lower Mainland.
The vaccine is expected to become available to certain eligible individuals at designated locations on Vancouver Island next week.
Health Canada said in its release that COVID-19 vaccines will be free to Canadians and will be available through their local health authority.
“The only way to access safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is through clinics organized or endorsed by your local public health authority in collaboration with Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments,” said Health Canada.
Selling counterfeit drugs or vaccines is considered a criminal activity, according to Health Canada, which says they are working with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and law enforcement agencies around the world to address the matter.
“The department will not hesitate to use all tools at its disposal to stop these illegal activities and will refer incidents of suspected counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” Health Canada said.
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