'Utter hogwash': Anti-vax theories dismissed by health bosses
Health bosses in Walsall have moved to debunk myths around the Covid-19 vaccination as the rollout across the borough moves at a pace.
One councillor said suggestions that there are microchips to control you "are complete and utter hogwash".
Tens of thousands of residents have received the first shot of the Pfizer vaccine at locations around the borough since the first week of the new year.
But, at a meeting on Tuesday, members of Walsall’s Local Outbreak Engagement Board heard how there is a hesitancy among some people to get the vaccine due to “misinformation” being shared.
Walsall clinical commissioning group (CCG) said the treatment was safe for residents with no serious reactions being suffered as a result of people having their jabs.
They also warned people who have had the first dose of vaccine to continue to observe all the infection control guidelines that are in place across the country.
Geraint Griffiths, managing director of the CCG, said: “We’ve only had six hospital and three community incidents in terms of reaction to the vaccine – all were minor and nobody was hospitalised and everyone recovered.
“There is no evidence from the local programme that we are seeing any significant reaction to the vaccine so I think that should assure people on the safety.
“We continue to monitor it, every incident no matter how minor is recorded and investigated so we can make sure we are doing everything we can in terms of safety.”
He added every precaution was taken before jab were administered while healthcare professionals were on site to monitor recipients to make sure they are ok before they leave vaccination centres.
Mr Griffiths also said they have been vaccinating up to 1,000 people per day in some centres and up to 600 in GP centres.
Dr Anand Rischie, vice chairman of the CCG, said: “The message for people is wait for our call, you will be called and as you are called, book your appointment and go and have your vaccination.
“I’ve been delivering and overseeing the vaccination from several sites and I can very confidently say we have not seen any severe reaction that would need hospital admission or primary care follow up.
“There is worry about going to these sites and we want to assure the public, all sites are following the infection prevention measures – that’s why at some sites you might see queues of people.”
Board chairman Stephen Craddock said conspiracy theories ranging from the vaccine containing animal product or microchips being injected into people were doing the rounds.
But Dr Rischie said: “These current vaccines have been assurance tested and have got the authorisation that they do not contain any animal products. The usual reaction from vaccine can happen.
“Of the vaccine hesitancy we have seen, some can be just people in real denial and we just cannot cope with those in denial about Covid.
“Covid is real and I think it gets real when it affects a family member or someone close to you. We cannot help those who deny it or protest outside ICU.
“But there are people who have been given misinformation about the vaccination programme and what happens in hospital.
“We can only keep giving out the strong message about how important and safe it is. It is something we are working through.”
Councillor Craddock said: “When you have the vaccine, it isn’t a free pass to go out and live your lives as you like. We still need to follow guidelines and restrictions. It may protect you but you might pass it on to others.
“We’ve heard a lot about anti-vax messages – the vaccines are safe and suitable for all faiths.
“Suggestions that there are microchips to control you are complete and utter hogwash and there is a very very small chance of a reaction to the vaccine but it is far outweighed by the benefits to you and your communities.”
