ANTI-VACCINE propaganda leaflets warning people not to get vaccinated against Covid-19 are in circulation in St Helens, a senior GP has warned.
Some of the the borough’s most vulnerable residents have started to receive Pfizer’s Covid vaccine this week, in a massive immunisation operation being co-ordinated by GP-led primary care networks.
But prior to this, St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was informed by a Rainhill GP that anti-vaccine leaflets, which have been seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, were being circulated in the community.
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The anti-vaccine movement has gained momentum this year, fuelled by conspiracy theorists such as David Icke, who has been banned from YouTube, Twitter and Facebook for spreading unsubstantiated theories about Covid-19.
St Helens CCG has now moved to reassure the public, especially those vulnerable residents who may feel distressed after reading the anti-vaccine propaganda.
Dr Hilary Flett, clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out in St Helens, said: “We have been made aware of information circulating warning people against the Covid-19 vaccination.
“I would urge anyone who is offered a vaccine because they are vulnerable and therefore at risk of serious illness if they are infected by Covid-19 to take up the offer.
“We know that thousands of people have died already of coronavirus and we want to ensure people are protected to stay well and that the NHS is not overwhelmed and can continue to operate normally.”
Dr Flett, a GP at Mill Street Medical Centre, said Pfizer’s Covid vaccine has met strict standards of safety prior to it being approved for use in the community.
She added that reports of serious side effects from the vaccine, such as allergic reactions, have been “very rare.”
Dr Flett said: “The Pfizer vaccine has met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
“Any coronavirus vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks all other licensed medicines go through. The MHRA follows international standards of safety.
“Other vaccines are being developed. They will only be available on the NHS once they have been thoroughly tested to make sure they are safe and effective.
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“So far, thousands of people have been given a Covid-19 vaccine and reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, have been very rare.”
Detailed information from the NHS on the vaccine is available to read here.
And a patient information leaflet: Covid-19 vaccination guide for adults
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