Department dismisses social media video on COVID-19 vaccine deaths
The Department of Health has noted a misleading voice-note making rounds on social media platforms claiming that people who vaccinated against COVID-19 are dying due to the vaccine. The voice-note promotes the use of an unregistered, over-the-counter product called “Nature`s Choice – Activated Charcoal” as the solution to allegedly prevent such deaths.
There are no reported deaths causally linked to COVID-19 vaccines, except for the three cases that the Department reported about early last year.
Members of the public are urged to ignore this erroneous social media content. The voice-note has a potential to cause significant confusion, anger, and anxiety especially amongst those who lost their loved ones due to COVID-19 pandemic.
There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccine is now claiming lives. The public is urged to ignore this voice-note and distance itself from the use of Nature`s Choice – Activated Charcoal to prevent death from COVID-19 Vaccine.
This product (Activated Charcoal) is not registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), which establishes and regulates the safety, efficacy and quality of all medicines distributed in the country.
Activated charcoal is used after alcohol binges and the ingestion poison.
Some people drink it to relieve flatulence. If a person is on treatment activated charcoal may bind to the active ingredient and reduce the effectiveness of medication. Abuse of activated charcoal may also interfere with absorption of nutrients in the diet.
The Department advises the public to use any over-the-counter and unscheduled health products with caution, and on advice of a registered health professional.
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Foster Mohale
Health Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 0724323792
E-mail: Foster.mohale@health.gov.za
Mr Doctor Tshwale
Media Liaison Officer for Health Minister
Cell: 063 657 8487
E-mail: Doctor.tshwale@health.gov.za
