Imminent Death from Covid-19 Vaccines a Hoax, Says Govt Official
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Rabu, 4 Agustus 2021 10:25 WIB
Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Prof. Wiku Adisasmito speaks at a press conference, Jakarta, Thursday (29/10/2020). (ANTARA / Katriana)
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Indonesian Covid-19 response task force, Wiku Adisasmito, on Tuesday asserts that rumors about Covid-19 vaccines causing imminent death within two years after injection is basically a hoax that can damage the country’s fight against vaccine hesitancy.
This statement came from an internet baseless quote widely attributed to French virologist Luc Montagnie.
“It is untrue. The quote was twisted and linked to a fake news meme that is rampantly shared,” said Wiku Adisasmito on August 3, Antaranews reported.
The spokesperson also addressed the false narrative suggesting that taking vaccines can bring birth to a new coronavirus variant. Adisasmito clarified that mutations happen when a virus multiplies in a live host and that viruses in vaccines are designed not to do just that.
He strongly encourages the public to be more selective and wise in consuming information and sharing unconfirmed rumors. “It is important to note that hoaxes can reduce public trust towards the pandemic mitigation committed by both the government and general public,” he said.
