A probe by Brazil's Comptroller General's Office revealed that former President Jair Bolsonaro, who has openly criticized COVID-19 vaccines, has falsified vaccination records.
The investigation showed an entry for Bolsonaro receiving a
vaccine dose in São Paulo in July 2021, which conflicts with his whereabouts, as he was in Brasília during that time.
The nurse named as the administrator of the shot denied involvement, further noting the
vaccine lot recorded was not in stock then.
In addition, before the investigation began, entries for two other doses in Bolsonaro's records were deleted, also deemed fraudulent. Last May, amidst the
vaccine inquiry, police raided Bolsonaro's residence, detained some of his associates, and confiscated his phone.
Despite these allegations, Bolsonaro has consistently claimed no knowledge of inserting false data into his records. His attorney has not yet responded to requests for comments.
Bolsonaro, who contracted
COVID-19 in July 2020, has persistently downplayed
COVID vaccination and measures, even spreading unfounded claims linking the
vaccine to AIDS.