Thread by @propublica

1/ On Monday, a man who’s 60+ with underlying conditions went to a @GiantFood pharmacy in Virginia for his vaccine appointment. He is undocumented and brought a consular ID.

He was told that corporate policy is not to vaccinate people without social security numbers...

@GiantFood 2/ As we wrote last week, you can’t be denied a COVID-19 vaccine because you don’t have a SSN or insurance.

Immigration status shouldn’t affect eligibility either.

And no one is supposed to be charged anything for receiving the vaccine.

But it’s happening.

3/ The Virginia man had to leave without a vaccine. Similar vaccine denials have happened to others across the country and with different providers.

Almost every case we've heard of happened to someone who is Latino and/or Black.

4/ After ProPublica contacted @GiantFood, a spokesperson acknowledged the incident was true and said it shouldn't have happened:

“We have reached out to all stores to let them know to not make this mistake again,” the spokesperson said.

5/ Giant says it is reaching out to the man who was denied a vaccine to offer another appointment.

But he says he’s too uncomfortable with what happened to go back to Giant. A friend helped him get the appointment and is helping him find another one somewhere else.

6/ The friend contacted us because we’re gathering cases like this one to expose barriers to vaccine access and help provide accurate information about your right to a vaccine.

English: propublica.org/article/false-…

Español: propublica.org/article/barrer…

7/ If you or someone you know has been denied a vaccine, get in touch with us through this form. You can also call or text 202-681-0779 in English or Spanish.

English: propublica.org/getinvolved/ar…

Español: propublica.org/getinvolved/ay…