News

16 July 2021 

To stop the spread of fake news relating to the COVID-19 we need to educate ourselves and the people around us 

There are so many misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine and the effect it will have on our body. Fake news is being shared on social media and WhatsApp and it is very difficult to distinguish between what is true and what we should consider to be fake news. 

These myths include rumours suggesting that the vaccine contains a microchip, that it will alter your DNA, that it will make you sick and that it cannot be effective because it was created too quickly. These are only a few of the large number of untrue myths currently going around. 

Deputy Executive Mayor of the Overberg District Municipality, Archie Klaas says we need to ensure that the information we receive comes from a credible source. ”If you share fake news, you are part of the problem, we need to educate ourselves and use reliable sources to do so” says Councilor Klaas.  Councilor Klaas says we all have a role to play in ensuring that the correct information is shared amongst our community members especially those who are in influential positions.  

If you receive news relating to the vaccine it is important to check if the information comes from a credible source. This can be done by making sure of the following: 

• Is the source that wrote it credible? 
• Is the person who wrote it real? 
• Does the information play on your fears, beliefs, and mistrust? 
• Has the message been forwarded many times?

We need to care about what we share. If you receive a message and you want to share this with your community, take a moment and verify the information in the message before sharing it. It might be Fake news, and this can harm the people you care about. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, and it will prevent you from becoming seriously ill and dying from COVID-19. To ensure that everybody who is eligible receives their vaccine, we need to ensure that people register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS). 

“For me as a technologically advanced person it is my responsibility to register my fellow community members. We all need to assist those who cannot register themselves” says Councilor Klaas. 

According to the Deputy Mayor he is very excited to be able to register for his COVID-19 vaccine from the 15th of July when the EVDS system opens registrations for people over 35 years. Young people can and should assist the elderly to register, they also have a responsibility to educate themselves so that they can educate others. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine please visit https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/vaccine/ 

ENDS

For media queries contact: 

Roché Butler
Communications Officer
Overberg District 
Western Cape Government: Health

Tel: +27 28 214 5833
Cell: +27 68 074 2455
E-mail:  Roche.Butler@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za