Accused of illegally injecting a teenager with a COVID vaccine

A New York biology professor faces up to four years in prison. She is accused of injecting a neighbour’s son with a COVID-19 vaccine.

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The Long Island science teacher is accused of administering a coronavirus vaccine to a 17-year-old neighbor without her parents’ consent.

Flanked by her husband, Laura Parker Russo walked away quickly after pleading not guilty to the unauthorized exercise of a profession.

“There is no criminal motive in this case. There was only good in what she wanted to do, ” pleads however Michael Dergarabedian, defense lawyer.

It was on New Year’s Eve, at her North Shore Sea Cliff home, that Ms Russo is said to have administered the vaccine to her son’s friend. The teenager was in agreement, but not his parents.

Russo is a biology teacher at Herricks High School, not a medical professional.

“She has relatives and people who live with her who have diabetes, and she constantly gives medication,” explains her lawyer.

The prosecutor, however, claims that the accused does not have a medical license.

“As you know, a video was made and her gesture was treated as if she was doing something funny,” said Anne Donnely, prosecutor.

“It’s not funny when you break the law and inject children,” continues the prosecutor.

The complaint claims that Ms Russo allegedly obtained the vaccine from a pharmacy. The vials will be tested to find out where exactly it comes from.

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