The wide circulation of misinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccine has led to poor compliance by people in getting vaccinated, says Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong.
He said misinformation was now a major problem for the ministry.
“Misinformation is now causing two big problems for us, first is the poor compliance to vaccination, second is denial resulting in very late engagement with medical authorities despite severe symptoms,” he said.
On Wednesday, Dr Fong, in his national address, said sadly, many social media companies such as Facebook provided the platform for lies and misinformation about vaccines to spread faster than facts.
“So it is up to us to get the truth about vaccines –– and the proven protection they provide –– into the public domain and in front of those who need to hear that message most of all.
“Not everyone will be vaccinated just because I recommend it, I know that. Some people place their highest trust in those around them, those in their communities, those at the dinner table with them, those they’ve grown up with and known their entire lives.
“By telling someone you love why you have been vaccinated and why they should too, you could be the voice that inspires them to be protected. You may well be better placed than any doctor to save their life and ease the strain of this outbreak of our healthcare system.”
