A MAN in Charleroi, Belgium, has been arrested after he was caught trying to receive a ninth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The 33-year-old, who was arrested Dec. 19, was said to have received multiple doses on behalf of those who did not want to, in exchange for compensation. No further details were given on his identity or of those who had allegedly paid him to receive the vaccine on their behalf.

He was said to have shown up at the vaccination center in Fosses-la-Ville as usual trying to receive the vaccine, with an identity card that was not his, but the staff of the vaccination center noticed and sounded the alarm, according to the De Standaard newspaper.

According to his testimony, he received eight jabs and was paid between 100-150 euros (US$113 – US$170) each time by anti-vaxxers to use their identity cards to obtain COVID Safe Tickets.

Only those who are vaccinated can attend bars and restaurants in Belgium. And many employers demand staff to be vaccinated.

The man’s state of health did not show signs of complication, despite the number of injections he had received.

He, however, risks being prosecuted for forgery along with the people who had been involved.

Meanwhile, Belgium has imposed extra measures to slow the spread of the Omicron variant, which is causing a spike in cases across Europe.

Starting yesterday, indoor Christmas markets, cinemas, theaters and concert halls will be closed. Sporting events will continue, but without spectators. Previous rules such as mandatory mask-wearing in indoor public spaces, working from home four days a week, and closing bars and restaurants at 11 p.m. will remain in place. (SD-Agencies)