Several Facebook posts have been circulating, falsely claiming that in one clinic in New Zealand, 30 people received their Covid vaccination and subsequently died. These posts cite sources that supposedly link these deaths to the vaccine. However, this claim is entirely false.
The latest official data from New Zealand reveals that up until the end of November 2022, there were only four deaths where the Covid vaccine was either confirmed or suspected as the cause. This number is significantly lower than the alleged 30 deaths in a single clinic.
Misinformation regarding medicines and treatments can have severe consequences for people’s health, which is why it is crucial to rely on accurate information. We have repeatedly addressed the issue of Covid and vaccine misinformation in previous articles, emphasizing the importance of honest and factual public debate.
FAQs:
Q: Where does the false claim originate from?
A: The false claim can be traced back to a shared link from an article by Exposé, which alleges that 30 people died after receiving their Covid vaccination at a New Zealand clinic. These claims have been debunked.
Q: Has anyone investigated the claims made by the Exposé article and Liz Gunn?
A: Full Fact, an independent fact-checking organization, approached Liz Gunn and the Exposé for comments but did not receive any response.
Q: Are there any official statements from regulatory agencies?
A: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, and Medsafe in New Zealand, both state that the benefits of Covid vaccination far outweigh the potential risks. A small number of deaths have been reported following vaccination, but these deaths are incredibly rare.
Q: How many deaths have been reported as a result of Covid vaccination in New Zealand and the UK?
A: According to the latest data, only two confirmed deaths from receiving a Covid vaccine have been reported in New Zealand. One other death is considered “likely due to vaccine-induced myocarditis,” and there is another death where a link to the vaccine cannot be excluded. In England and Wales, up until July 2023, 56 deaths were reported where Covid vaccines were the cause of adverse effects.
Q: How many vaccine doses have been administered in New Zealand and the UK?
A: In New Zealand, over 11 million doses of the Covid vaccine have been administered, and in England and Wales, more than 150 million doses have been given. The vaccines have played a vital role in preventing tens of thousands of deaths from Covid-19.
It is crucial to rely on accurate and verified information when making decisions about vaccines and other medical treatments. Vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective, and misinformation surrounding them can have harmful consequences.