Health Dept warns against fake news on adverse vaccine effects
The Department of Health says they have noted with concern a video clip circulating on social media showing a man who claims he got throat cancer due to a vaccine.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale says members of the public should not use other people’s health conditions for their own personal theories on the vaccine.
“We discourage members of the public from using other people’s health conditions and life experiences to push their personal theories to justify the unjustifiable opposition to this life saving intervention.”
The video has since gone viral and has also been supported by leader of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Kenneth Meshoe, who shared more information of the man’s condition.
He claims it occurred after the man received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
This paramedic received a Johnson & Johnson Vaccine on the 10/03/21 at his workplace. He developed a tumor the ff week on his face that needed to be surgically removed. He complicated on the 11/07/21, had breathing problems & needed a tracheostomy. Now has unbearable pains daily. pic.twitter.com/OJ0cY9KD16
— Kenneth Meshoe (@RevMeshoe) January 10, 2022
@RevMeshoe as a MP, why yall allowing this to happen? Ibuhlungu lento maan💔😟#JusticeForZakheleGoqo pic.twitter.com/JtpNmEe8Ds
— SpeakUrTRUTH (@Joz_TheSpeaker) January 11, 2022
Mohale says the department calls on everyone who does get an adverse reaction to the vaccine to report it immediately.
“The department would like to remind and call upon all people who experience any adverse events following immunisation to immediately report to the nearest health facility or vaccination site.
“Each province and district have allocated persons who are responsible for investigating severe and serious adverse events following immunisation within 48 hours since it has been identified or the health system has been notified thereof.”
He adds that there is no time limit to reporting adverse effects.
“However, there is no time limit to reporting an event. All adverse events following immunisation are taken seriously, and appropriate action can only be taken if they are reported.
“Uncommon, severe and serious adverse events should always be reported, so that they are fully investigated, including those that need medical attention or hospitalisation. It is important to understand if the vaccine was responsible for the event, or whether it happened coincidentally to vaccination."
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