Young women turn 'old' to get COVID-19 shot in Orlando

Gulf Today Report

Two women disguised themselves with bonnets, gloves and glasses to get coronavirus vaccinations were turned away and issued trespass warnings.

The women also altered their birth years on their vaccination registrations to bypass the state system, which prioritises people age 65 and older.

The incident happened in Orange County, Orlando, on Wednesday.

It appeared that the women had gotten the first shot, but it was unclear where.

"Their names matched their registration but not their dates of birth,” Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Michelle Guido told a local newspaper.

The women were 35 and 45 years old, officials said in a news release.

Health Department officials asked deputies to issue trespass warnings.

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.”

Guido said the warning means they can't return to the convention centre for any reason -- including a vaccine, COVID-19 test, convention or show. If they do return, they could face arrest.

Pino said the Health Department’s investigation will try to determine where they were vaccinated earlier and how they managed to get an appointment. He said the department will "try to figure out if there are any holes, any loopholes, in the process that are allowing people to do that.”