Doctor issues warning after anti-vax leaflets dropped outside schools

Thursday 01 July 2021

A doctor is warning islanders about leaflets containing “misinformation” on vaccinating children being dropped outside local schools.

The leaflet, which appears to mimic the style of official Government communications, speaks of “ethical concerns of unnecessary and unjustifiable risk”. It also references Nazi experiments.

The author of the document is not featured.

The covid vaccine is not currently being given to under-18s in Jersey, but discussions are ongoing about doing so in future. Jersey’s vaccination programme follows the guidance provided by the UK’s the Joint Council on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). 

Emergency Department Consultant Dr Rob Greig said he encountered one of the leaflets in the area of St. Martin’s School yesterday.

He said he was particularly concerned that it referenced Nazi experiments and resembled a Government of Jersey document, and decided to contact Medical Officer for Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, about it, as well as warning islanders on Twitter.

“Leafleting anonymously outside of schools is just wrong: it’s misinformation that causes doubt it’s similar to what we have seen in social media,” he told Express.

This is so wrong.
Individuals are now leaflet dropping parents outside of primary schools.
The appearance of the leaflets suggests it’s from @GovJersey.
It is not.
IF it comes to the stage that certain ages need vaccinations it will be done with science behind it. #jerseyci pic.twitter.com/IGwC8D5Qlw

— Rob Greig (@drrobgreig) June 30, 2021

“It’s also wrong that the leaflet has the appearance of something from our Health Service - that’s a clever psychological ploy that gives this leaflet initial kudos and makes the reader more open to the concepts within.

“Our medics make sensible, informed, metered decisions that are shared openly with the people of Jersey.

"We need to continue having faith in Dr Muscat and the Public Health team.”

Dr Greig also issued a reminder that covid itself can cause PIMS-TS in children, “a disease that has cardiac consequences.”

Pictured: Dr Greig said the decision to mimic the style of Jersey Government communications was a "clever psychological ploy."

“Lots of viral diseases in children can have serious sequelae but vaccinations have prevented that,” he noted.

This morning, Vaccination Lead Becky Sherrington said her team was “really disappointed” about the leaflets, describing their contents as “misinformation”.

Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf added: “We are aware, that yesterday a leaflet was distributed outside some schools, containing unofficial COVID-19 vaccination information.

“Members of the public can be reassured that the Government of Jersey, including all departments and schools, does not endorse any of the messages contained within the document nor does it condone the spreading of misinformation."

Pictured: Vaccination Lead Becky Sherrington also expressed concern about the leaflets.

He continued: “Any decision to vaccinate those under 18 is yet to be made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and UK health authorities.

"Throughout the pandemic the Government of Jersey has followed the advice of this body, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency and UK health authorities to ensure public safety.”

According to the latest vaccination statistics, around 70,000 first doses have been given, while around half of the population is now fully vaccinated with both jabs.

In November last year, the Government launched a campaign against 'fake news' on covid-19. 

Pictured: The Health Minister was clear that a decision had not yet been made on whether under-18s would be given the covid vaccine.

In November last year, the Government launched a campaign against 'fake news' on covid-19. 

With social media being used to share information about the virus, islanders were urged to take the following steps to ensure the information they are reading, and sharing, is accurate:

• "Check if the account the information is coming from is real. Many people choose not to share all their personal information online, and that is ok. But some profiles take advantage of this and use fake accounts to share fake information. Fake accounts on social media often have no photos of real people, have no friends, a high volume of followers but no likes, comments or conversations. 

• "If you’re not sure if something is true, check if the information has come from a trustworthy source and always rely on official sources. 

• "Search www.gov.je to find the latest information from the Government."

More information about the Government's vaccine programme can be found HERE.