ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WPEC) — Two Florida women were caught trying to get their second COVID-19 vaccine by being dressed up as old women, officials said.
"So, yesterday we realized a couple of young ladies came, dressed up as grannies, to get vaccinated for the second time," said Dr. Raul Pino, with the Orange County Health Department.
Donning a convincing disguise, complete with gloves, glasses and even a bonnet, Pino said when the women returned to the convention center for their final shot, suspicions arose.
Those giving the vaccine realized the pair fraudulently registered for appointments with birth dates that didn't match. Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Michelle Guido told the Orlando Sentinel the women altered their birth years on their vaccination registrations to bypass the state system, which prioritizes people age 65 and older. It appeared the women had gotten the first shot, but it was unclear where.
In a video provided by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, a deputy could be heard saying, “You've stolen a vaccine from somebody that needs it more than you.”
"I don't know how they escaped the first time, said Pino.
The women were identified as Olga Ramirez, 44, and Martha Monroy, 34,.
Health Department officials asked deputies to issue trespass warnings. That means they can't return to the convention center for any reason – including a vaccine, COVID-19 test, convention or show. If they do return, they could face arrest.
While it remains a mystery how the women got their first dose without being recognized, Pino said that is being investigated.
"In our case, what we have to determine is how did this happen the first time," he said adding, the department will “try to figure out if there are any holes, any loopholes, in the process that are allowing people to do that.”
