A New York midwife has been fined $300,000 for administering homeopathic pellets instead of required vaccinations to nearly 1,500 children. Jeanette Breen, who operates Baldwin Midwifery on Long Island, falsified the immunization records of these children, putting their lives in jeopardy. The scheme, which dates back to at least the 2019-2020 school year, affected families throughout the state, with a majority residing on suburban Long Island. In 2019, New York ended religious exemptions to vaccine requirements for schoolchildren.
The health department has voided the immunization records of the affected children and now requires their families to prove that they are up-to-date with their required shots before they can return to school. State Health Commissioner James McDonald emphasized the seriousness of misrepresenting or falsifying vaccine records, stating that it puts lives in jeopardy and undermines the system that exists to protect public health.
Breen, a state-licensed healthcare provider, provided her patients with the “Real Immunity Homeoprophylaxis Program,” which consists of oral pellets marketed as an alternative to vaccination. However, these pellets are not recognized or approved by state or federal regulators as valid immunizations. Breen administered approximately 12,449 fake immunizations to around 1,500 school-aged patients and then submitted false information to the state's immunization database claiming that the children had received their required vaccinations against various diseases.
State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa expressed concern over Breen's actions, stating that by intentionally falsifying immunization records, she endangered the health and safety of school communities and undermined public trust. Breen's lawyer stated that she cooperated with investigators, paid her fine, and intends to comply with all other requirements of her agreement with health officials. The settlement requires Breen to pay $150,000 of the $300,000 penalty, with the remainder suspended as long as she complies with state health laws and never administers any immunization that must be reported to the state. She is also permanently banned from accessing the state's immunization records system.
State health officials are currently in the process of notifying hundreds of affected school districts. Director of Investigations Joseph Giovannetti called the case against Breen a “first-of-its-kind investigation” and emphasized the commitment to rooting out, combating, and preventing all forms of vaccination fraud. The health department is determined to take enforcement action against any offender who endangers the health of communities and abuses public health systems through illegal activities.
Overall, this incident highlights the importance of adhering to vaccination requirements and the severe consequences of falsifying immunization records. It serves as a reminder that public trust in healthcare providers and the vaccination system is crucial for maintaining public health and safety.
