Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has sounded the alarm on vaccine misinformation, urging parents not to rely on social media for medical advice as the province launches a mass campaign to stop the spread of measles and rubella.
Nkomo-Ralehoko was speaking at Steve Biko Primary School in Orange Farm during the launch of the provinces Measles-Rubella Mass Vaccination Campaign which aims to immunise more than 4-million children aged between six months and under 15 years by September 12.
To all parents, I want to assure you that this vaccine is free, effective and safe. Do not listen to fake news or misinformation spreading on social media. The lies you read online can cost a life. If you have doubts, do not go to TikTok or Facebook talk to our health professionals at your nearest clinic or district co-ordinators. They will give you facts, not fear, said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The six-week campaign which is themed Lifelong Protection against Measles and Rubella Disease, comes as Gauteng battles a measles outbreak with more than 370 confirmed cases so far this year with the hardest-hit areas being Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
These are not mere statistics. These are real children who were at risk of facing serious complications if we failed to act now, she said.