Health officials dispel social media anti-vaxxer misinformation

SA doctors say lies about vaccines containing microchips, eggs or even live coronavirus are part of anti-vax misinformation efforts.

COVID vaccine lies – including DNA-altering powers and microchips – being spread across the state by a vocal minority of anti-vaxxers has prompted SA Health to set straight any concerns.

Deputy Chief Public Health Officer and specialist GP Dr Emily Kirkpatrick urged South Australians to follow official health advice from trusted sources for information regarding the vaccine rollout in SA.

“There is a lot of misinformation being shared on social media and online that may be creating fears over the vaccines and influencing the decision on whether to get vaccinated or not,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.

SA Health Deputy Chief Public Health Officer and specialist GP Dr Emily Kirkpatrick says the vaccines do not alter or interact with the DNA in any way. Picture: Mike Burton

“It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccines as they do not contain live virus, egg or any animal products, so even people with egg allergies can get the vaccine,” she said.

“More importantly, the vaccines do not alter or interact with the DNA of your cells in any way.”

Up to 60,000 South Australians will be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine twice over 28 days in the first phase of the rollout which started on Monday. First in line are those with highset exposure to COVID – quarantine hotels workers, frontline health professionals and residential aged care residents.

Last weekend hundreds of people rallied in Adelaide against “mandatory” COVID vaccination. Concerns were voiced over the safety of the vaccine and potential for coercive inoculation.

Protesters in Melbourne rallying against “mandatory” vaccinations. Picture: Luis Ascui/Getty Images

“We want to assure South Australians that the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective against the COVID-19 virus and is helping to increase protection of the community,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.

She said the COVID-19 vaccines – like any vaccine approved in Australia – have been carefully tested and rigorously assessed to ensure they meet Australia’s high safety, quality and efficacy standards.

“South Australians can have confidence about the vaccines being rolled out across the state, as they are the best way to protect ourselves and reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our community.”

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines in South Australia, visit www.covidvaccine.sa.gov.au