OTTAWA Dangerous misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines is spreading on social media among all age groups and could harm Canada s efforts to end the pandemic, the head of the Ontario Medical Association says.
The association s analysis of more than 65,000 recent online posts in Ontario shows that conspiracy theories about the origin of the novel coronavirus and fears that vaccines are dangerous and untested run particularly rampant among people under age 35.
People in older age groups are more concerned about the government s rollout of vaccines, including when they can get one, and shortages of supplies.
Dr. Samantha Hill said if people fear the vaccines they won t get them, and whether vaccines are delayed by supply issues or patients hesitant to take them, the result will be tragic.
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NOSM dean urges open, respectful discussion around vaccine hesitancy
A northern Ontario health leader is lending her voice to those of other Ontario doctors in an effort to clear up misinformation and myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.
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CBC News ·
Posted: Jan 21, 2021 6:00 AM ET | Last Updated: January 21
Northern Ontario School of Medicine dean Dr. Sarita Verma encourages respectful, personalized conversations with those who may be experiencing vaccine hesitancy. (Supplied/NOSM)