Vaccination tourism, a reality that we try to avoid

Several countries are asking for proof of residence to further reduce these cases.

In recent weeks, the impact of so-called vaccine tourism has been discussed, something that has been denounced by authorities in some countries.

Miami Mayor Francis Suárez has said that people from other countries have managed to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine at some vaccination points. Reason why measures have been taken.

“Unfortunately we have seen people coming from abroad and making fun of us by getting vaccinated here. “That is unacceptable,” Suárez said last week, adding that it has not happened in the centers controlled by the mayor, but they have evidence that it has happened in others controlled by agencies, according toRCN.

The vast majority of countries have not been able to meet their demand for vaccines, including the United States, so there is discomfort due to this 'tourism'.

Therefore, the risks for those who do it are remembered. According to Diary of the Americas, these people could have sanctions, since those who have a tourist visa have very clear permits. Among them, who is not going to the country for medical treatment, for that there is another visa. So if someone arrived that way and gets vaccinated, they are violating their restrictions.

In addition to Florida, the state in which Miami is located, New York, Texas and California are also attentive to this 'tourism' and are taking measures to try to prevent it.

In Florida now, when you are going to be vaccinated, you have to prove your residence in the state, this may be by presenting your driver's license, payment for a service, a deed or a mortgage receipt.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also on alert about these cases, so local immigration lawyers comment that if they realize that someone traveled to get vaccinated, they could annul their visa and they would no longer be able to return. the second dose and even impose economic sanctions that could reach 15 thousand dollars. They could even deny her a visa forever.

With other visas such as the F1 for students, J1 for interns or the E2 for investors, which allow you to reside in the country, you can access vaccination, since they have other restrictions.

Several media outlets in the United States and Mexico have commented on the case of Mexican entertainment presenter Juan José Origel, 73, who traveled to Miami to get the vaccine, but resides in Mexico City. Likewise, personalities from other Latin countries had also made public that they were vaccinated and this caused some annoyance, although at that time - January - in cities like the aforementioned, anyone who wanted to was vaccinated, without proof of residence, if they met the range. of age.

According to Florida Department of Health data provided to BBC In February, there were more than 52,000 people from outside Florida who were vaccinated. That is, they were from another state - usually retirees who come to Florida for the winter and people with high resources - or they lived in another country - tourists.

This occurred while older adults living in Florida were unable to get an appointment. Something that has been improving in the following weeks.

While in New York they had also begun to ask for some proof of residence due to the arrival of Canadians to be vaccinated at the beginning of the year.

In the United States, vaccine distribution is in charge of the federal government, but each state has its own vaccination plan.

In California, the local health department had prioritized medical requirements, something that immigration activists said helped undocumented immigrants access the vaccine. Although there are counties like San Diego that have taken additional measures.

In addition to what is happening in the United States, there have also been reports of travel companies that have begun to offer travel packages to Dubai, Cuba or Russia and that claim to include a vaccine.

British media have also mentioned a private club, Knightsbridge Circle, had offered first class or private plane flights to Dubai, with accommodation for up to a month. All this plus the two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

This package was offered at 45 thousand euros (a little more than 53 thousand dollars) and was intended for people over 65 years of age.

In India, an agency called Gem Tours & Travels offered trips to the United States for the same purpose, according to the Spanish newspaperThe Vanguard. However, given the controversy, the company said that it only offered trips and it was up to the person to try or not get vaccinated.