Days after an investigation uncovered that thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations were wasted, as well as potentially stolen and improperly given to children, the director of the Shelby County Health Department has resigned. Mayor Lee Harris announced on Friday (February 26) that Dr. Alisa Haushalter submitted her resignation from the department, WMC reports. Her anticipated last day is March 15.
State health officials have been investigating reports of vaccines in Shelby County, where they discovered that more than 2,400 doses were wasted over several weeks. The investigation showed that many doses expired before being administered while some were potentially stolen at a vaccination event on February 3. Also at the event, two children were "inappropriately vaccinated," according to Tennessee Health Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey.
"Not only was the leadership there being told everything is OK, we don't have any evidence that they actually verified that for themselves," said Dr. Piercey. "We don't see any process for accountability or confirmation there, which has undoubtedly potentially harmed some folks and withheld vaccine from people who needed it."
The Tennessee Department of Health notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the potential theft, who are assisting in the investigation.
According to WMC, Mayor Harris is expected to announce an interim health director sometime next week.
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