PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to refrain from spreading false stories about the Covid-19 vaccine, as it can incite panic, fear and confusion.
False information is being shared on WhatsApp groups, as well as other social media platforms, and by word of mouth, claiming the vaccine is not safe, that it can make you sick, or that it does not work.
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During his address on Sunday night when he announced the move to adjusted alert Level 4 for 14 days, the president said there is much misinformation being circulated about the vaccine, which is causing fear and confusion, and it must stop.
‘The scientific evidence before us shows that vaccines work. They are safe. They are effective, and they save lives.
‘If you have any questions about the vaccine, if you are unsure in any way, please consult the information being provided by the Department of Health and from doctors,’ he said.
President Ramaphosa said there is evidence that the vaccines being used in South Africa are effective against the Delta variant.
The Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee will continue to consider all data at its disposal, and will adapt its advice as and when new evidence emerges.
‘We must also remember that some vaccinated people may still become infected, regardless of variant, because no vaccine is 100% effective.
‘Where vaccinated people do become infected, the symptoms tend to be mild.
‘The most important thing is that any of the vaccines we are rolling out will protect you against severe disease, hospitalisation and, most importantly, death.’
As of midnight on Saturday, nearly 2.7 million people in South Africa had received a vaccine dose.
In the last week, the daily vaccination rate surpassed 100 000.
An additional 1.2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and 1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been received through the COVAX facility.
He urged the continued use of tried-and-tested public health measures of wearing a mask in public, regularly washing or sanitising hands, keeping a safe distance from others, and remaining at home unless it is necessary to go out.
‘They are not complicated, difficult or expensive.
‘Whatever inconvenience the measures may be to us, they are certainly better than becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalisation,’ the president said.
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