Bayonne pharmacy’s license suspended over fake vaccine cards

A Hudson County pharmacy had its license temporarily suspended and is shut down following the owner’s arrest on charges of allegedly selling falsified COVID-19 vaccine cards while fraudulently reporting the administration of vaccines to a state registry.

In June, Christina Bekhit, who owns and operates the AllCare Pharmacy at 537 Broadway in Bayonne, was arrested by Bayonne Police. She was charged with second-degree Computer Criminal Activity, third-degree Tampering with Public Information, and fourth-degree Falsification of Records Relating to Medical Care.

As part of a consent order, Bekhit agreed to temporarily suspend the pharmacy’s license pending the outcome of the charges. Rather than sell her business by Aug. 29, as the consent order calls for, Bekhit has instead opted to discontinue the business and surrender her permit to operate the pharmacy. She is also prohibited from advising or consulting with patients and being present within any area of a pharmacy, which is not open to the general public.

The New Jersey Board of Pharmacy’s actions were announced by acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs July 21.

“Forging vaccination cards and entering false information into the state’s vaccination database is a crime that creates a grave public health risk,” said Platkin. “With the spread of COVID-19 still a significant threat to New Jerseyans, the alleged conduct of this licensee is beyond reckless. The Pharmacy Board acted appropriately in removing her from practice while these criminal charges are pending.”

“It’s hard to believe that a health care provider would use her professional license to circumvent vaccination requirements in place to stop the spread of a deadly virus,” said Cari Fais, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “These allegations, if proven, raise serious questions about her professional judgement and fitness to practice. I commend the board for intervening to protect the public until the matter gets resolved.”

According to a criminal complaint, on three occasions Bekhit allegedly sold falsified COVID-19 vaccine cards to undercover investigators for $250 apiece. The complaint goes on to allege that Bekhit entered that false information into the New Jersey Immunization Information System database.

An investigation, which OAG says is ongoing, was launched in January.

Neither Bekhit nor her attorney could be reached for comment.