Covid-19 SA: Social worker’s ban over false vaccine emails

A social worker has been banned from providing information about Covid-19 vaccines after allegedly sending emails with false claims about the jabs.

A South Australian social worker has been directed not to provide health education or information about Covid-19 vaccines after she allegedly sent out emails containing false claims about the jab.

The Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner (HCSCC) Grant Davies issued an interim prohibition order against Matilda Bawden on Thursday after the organisation received a complaint about the emails.

Under the order, the woman is prohibited from providing health services in respect of health education or the provision of information relating to Covid-19 vaccines.

The ban will remain in place for 12 weeks.

Ms Bawden can continue offering other health services.

An email sent from Ms Bawden contained misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine, The HCCC found. Picture Supplied/Rod Pearce

Ms Bawden’s email claimed she would not see service providers, clients, friends and family who received the jab.

The contents of the email came to light about five months ago.

Ms Bawden’s email dated April 7 read: “My staff and I will not be exposing ourselves to the risks of shedding as I have family members with autoimmune illnesses and so do many of our clients.

“I also have a family member who was severely vaccine-injured and is at risk of further harm should she contract another infection.

“Anyone taking the vaccine is asked to disclose the fact to my clients and other professional staff and refrain from attending any appointments for four weeks.”

Associate Professor Davies said this was the third interim prohibition order issued in recent times related to false Covid-19 vaccine information. Picture: Supplied

Associate Professor Davies said this was the third interim prohibition order the HCSCC had issued to unregistered healthcare workers about false Covid vaccine information in recent times.

“As I have always stated, my primary concern is the safety of members of the South Australian public,” he said.

“Therefore, I have decided to investigate this matter as I am concerned about what Ms Bawden has expressed in her emails.

“The code applies to all unregistered health services, including social workers.”

Anyone with information or concerns can contact the HCSCC on 8226 8666.

Originally published as Covid-19 SA: Social worker’s ban over false vaccine emails