‘Deliberately misleading’ leaflets about Covid vaccine blasted by MP
“DELIBERATELY inaccurate” leaflets being spread in parts of Leicestershire containing false information about the Covid-19 vaccine have been slammed by an MP.
Conservative MP Neil O’Brien has taken to Twitter to denounce leaflets which have been delivered in parts of his constituency of Harborough, Oadby and Wigston.
The leaflets contain misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccination, designed to scare people off of getting it.
Mr O’Brien slammed the bright yellow leaflets as “deliberately misleading/inaccurate”, saying they are designed to look official with the Gov.uk logo at the top, but most definitely are not.
He advised anyone looking for information on the vaccination to visit official sources such as the NHS website where they can be sure they are getting facts.
The leaflets quoted medical conspiracy theorist Professor Christian Perronne, who said vaccinated people are at greater risk than unvaccinated people and should be quarantined over winter.
The leaflet is also designed to imply the information has originated from the World Health Organisation. Prof Perronne has no current affiliation with the organisation, whose advice on vaccination remains the same.
The WHO has said: “Developing immunity through vaccination means there is a reduced risk of developing the illness and its consequences. This immunity helps you fight the virus if exposed.
“Getting vaccinated may also protect people around you, because if you are protected from getting infected and from disease, you are less likely to infect someone else.
“This is particularly important to protect people at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19, such as healthcare providers, older or elderly adults, and people with other medical conditions.”
NHS England has said: “Anyone who gets Covid-19 can become seriously ill or have longterm effects (long Covid). The Covid-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.
“Research has shown the vaccines help: Reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from Covid19;
Reduce your risk of catching or spreading Covid-19; Protect against Covid-19 variant. “The first dose should give you some protection from three or four weeks after you’ve had it. But you need two doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection. “The Covid-19 vaccines approved for use in the UK have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
“They can cause some sideeffects, but not everyone gets them.
“Any side-effects are usually mild and should not last longer than a week, such as: a sore arm from the injection; feeling tired; a headache; feeling achy; feeling or being sick.
“More serious side effects, such as allergic reactions or blood clotting, are very rare.”
The vaccines approved for use in the UK have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness
NHS England