Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Health Canada issued a pre-emptive advisory to Canadians on Dec. 16. This warning, identification number RA-74579, cautioned them not to buy COVID-19 vaccines online or from unauthorized sources, as there is a big chance that they are counterfeit and could pose serious health risks. This followed a global alert from Interpol, the international criminal police organization, to law enforcement agencies around the world, and information received by other government agencies. While Health Canada isn’t aware of any cases of Canadians purchasing or using these counterfeit vaccines as of Dec. 18, they are encouraging anyone to report any information on the sale or advertising of these potential counterfeit vaccines to them immediately.