US school teacher arrested for administering vaccine to student

A New York school teacher with no formal medical qualification has been arrested for allegedly giving a Covid vaccine to a student.

Police say Laura Russo administered the dose at her home despite having no legal authorisation to give jabs, or consent from the boy's parents, reports BBC.

Russo, 54, who teaches biology, was held on New Year's Eve and could face four years in prison if convicted.

The 17-year-old boy had reportedly wanted the vaccine.

It is unclear how Russo obtained the alleged Covid vaccine, or what brand it is, BBC reports quoting police. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech jab is the only one authorised for Americans under 18 years old.

Injections can be dangerous if administered incorrectly. Doctors and licenced medical workers have to verify that a vaccine is not counterfeit or expired. Patients should also be asked about their medical history and have their reaction monitored after a jab.

Video of the incident in Long Island appears to show Russo telling the teenager: "You'll be fine, I hope."