Penal action can be taken under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the Indian Penal Code, 1860 against the organisations or persons who are found indulging in activities of circulating rumours concerning COVID-19 vaccination, additional chief secretary (health and Family Welfare), P Vaiphei stated on Saturday.
The general population should not be misled by all rumours creating doubts about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccination, a release stated. Instead, they may cooperate with the efforts being made by the government for a successful vaccination drive for protection of the masses from the COVID-19 pandemic, it stated.
The National Regulatory Authority in the country has found both the vaccines safe and immunogenic, it stated.
In Manipur, COVID vaccination started on the day of the National Launch by Prime Minister followed by State Launch by chief minister, Manipur with COVISHIELD Vaccine only, and has been continuing smoothly without any report of major AEFI (Adverse Effect Following Immunisation) till date, it added.
The vaccination was received with enthusiasm and voluntary acceptance by the medical doctors in the state, with the excellent participation of premier medical institutions led by RIMS, JNIMS and Shija Hospitals, reflecting the same in clear terms for the general population.
However, it has been reported that unfounded and misleading rumours are being circulated in the social media and others, creating doubt about the safety and efficacy of these vaccines, it stated.
Such kind of rumour mongering, particularly by vested interests groups, can create unwarranted doubts among the people at large thereby creating a negative impact in the efforts of the government for a successful vaccination drive for eradication of COVID-19 pandemic, it added.
