[2021 National Audit] "Fake Vaccine News Must Be Strictly Punished"... 94 Serious Adverse Reactions in Vaccinations for 3rd Year High School Students

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] As fake news claiming that a high school senior died after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine spreads online and the police have launched an investigation, calls are being made for the government to take strict action against fake news.

On the 6th, Nam In-soon, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "Pre-registration for COVID-19 vaccination for 16-17-year-old adolescents has been underway since yesterday, and fake news such as the death of a high school senior is a serious issue," adding, "The government must respond strongly."

According to the "Report Status of Adverse Reactions in High School Seniors" submitted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as part of the national audit, as of the 30th of last month, there were a total of 4,008 reported suspected adverse reaction cases, which accounts for 0.45% of the 886,578 vaccination records. Among these, 3,914 were general suspected cases, making up the majority, and there were no reported deaths.

There were 94 serious adverse reactions, including 17 suspected anaphylaxis cases and 77 cases of special adverse reactions and intensive care unit admissions.

Representative Nam urged, "Even amid the severe situation of the ongoing fourth wave of COVID-19, malicious and organized fake news that stirs public anxiety and obstructs the government's quarantine measures must be eradicated," and called for "legal action and for health authorities to promptly provide accurate information to actively block the spread of fake news."