Dear Pharmacists,
With two COVID-19 vaccines having Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval from the FDA, there have been potential fraudulent claims discovered. There have been reports of people being offered guaranteed priority on a vaccine once it’s distributed to their area if given their Medicare number, Social Security number, and a fee as well. With the vaccine being limited, many types of fraud will appear quickly. It’s important as pharmacists to help patients be active in protecting themselves and their information from this.
Here is some information on how they can protect themselves:
1. You likely will not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.
2. You cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
3. You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine.
4. No one from Medicare or the Health Department with contact you.
5. No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.
6. Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.
7. If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP. That’s a scam.
Please contact the SMP Mailbox at smp@acl.hhs.gov or marissa.whitehouse@acl.hhs.gov if you or a beneficiary have come across fraudulent claims about obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine.