'There you go' US science teacher arrested for 'vaccinating 17-year-old student at home'

Police say Laura Russo administered a shot of what appeared to be a COVID-19 vaccine dose to her son’s 17-year-old friend at her home, despite having no legal authorisation to give jabs. Ms Russo had also not received consent from the boy’s parents, according to police.

The 54-year-old was held on New Year’s Eve and could face four years in prison if convicted.

Ms Russo, who has no formal medical qualification, taught biology at a school in New York.

The 17-year-old boy had reportedly wanted the vaccine.

Police have said it is unclear how she obtained the alleged Covid vaccine.

They also say it is unclear what brand the alleged vaccine was.

Currently, in the US, the Pfizer jab is the only one authorised for those under 18.

A video circulating on social media of the incident in Long Island appears to show Ms Russo telling the teenager: “You’ll be fine, I hope.”

The student says: “Here you go. At-home vaccine.”

READ MORE: Schoolchildren are being told to wear face coverings through the day

Following an investigation, officers said they found Ms Russo was not authorised to administer vaccines.

She was arrested and charged with unauthorised practice of a profession.

Aaron Glatt, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s chair of medicine, told News4 that injections can also be dangerous if administered incorrectly.

He also added that patients should have their reaction monitored after a jab.

Dr Glatt said: “An authorised, licensed professional should be providing vaccines to know how to give them properly to make sure if there’s a complication that can be dealt with immediately and very efficiently.”

CBS News reports the superintendent of Ms Russo’s school said in a statement the teacher “has been removed from the classroom and reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation”.

A court hearing has been scheduled for January 21.

source: express.co.uk