pharmacist no more A Milwaukee pharmacist was arrested Thursday and accused of "tampering with and causing the destruction" of more than 550 doses of the Moderna vaccine against the coronavirus last week, Grafton, Wis., police confirmed.
In a statement, police officials said the now-fired pharmacist was arrested on recommended charges of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, adulterating a prescription drug and criminal damage to property.
Officials did not release the individual's identity "pending formal advisement of charges" but said that in a written statement to Aurora Health public safety officials, he admitted "to intentionally removing the vaccine knowing that if not properly stored the vaccine would be ineffective."
The Moderna vials must be stored between 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. They can remain efficacious for up to 12 hours if left at room temperature. Beyond that, the drug is rendered useless.
As a result, health care workers were forced to throw out about 570 doses of vaccine at the Aurora Medical Center where the pharmacist worked. However, some people were given the medicine that had been left out.
Grafton police detectives reported 57 patients received those injections.