Health Dept warns about fake video claiming COVID-19 vaccine has negative effects

JOHANNESBURG - The national health department is warning the public about a fake video made with artificial intelligence of South African scientist, Professor Salim Karim, saying that the COVID-19 vaccine had negative effects.

The department has warned that the video was misleading the public, encouraging them to use snake oil to remedy the effects of the vaccine.

Professor Karim has explicitly distanced himself from the misleading video.

Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi appealed to the public to avoid using the fake medicine.

The health minister’s spokesperson, Sello Lediga: "Minister Motsoaledi encourages all South Africans to continue to embrace all life-saving vaccines approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the National Department of Health. Therefore he calls on all South Africans to close ranks, isolate forces of darkness and join the fight against disinformation and misinformation."