'INCORRECT': Rumours about children 'collapsing' after vaccine slammed
The New Zealand Ministry of Health has slammed rumours that five children collapsed after receiving their Covid-19 vaccinations on Monday.
Social media posts reportedly claimed the kids fainted at North Shore vaccination centre in Auckland.
However, officials slammed the reports, saying they're "incorrect".
"We are aware of some claims of adverse events occurring at the Eventfinda Stadium drive-through vaccination centre on the North Shore yesterday [Monday]. These are incorrect," NRHCC Clinical Director Dr Anthony Jordan told Newshub on Tuesday.
"We can confirm there are no reports of any such events occurring."
According to the New Zealand Herald, protesters were outside vaccination clinics confronting people taking their children to be vaccinated.
The publication said multiple people reported protesters' actions to police who were monitoring the situation.
kids vaccinations started today in nz. totally safe they say… just ignore the kid passed out on the ground it’s safe…… #nz #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/IoSC1rJFyL
— solo bandit (@AJbacksusa) January 17, 2022
The Voices of Freedom protesters ascended upon Eventfinda Stadium on the North Shore, holding signs that read "kids do not spread the virus" and claiming the government is "coming for your kids".
"It was so terrifying," one mum told Newshub, adding it felt like she'd been "attacked".
"Initially it was just signs and me and the kids were joking about it. Then all of a sudden they were right up in your window, holding signs up and holding things up in the window."
So relaxing for families having Voices for Freedom at childhood vaccination day. pic.twitter.com/IRjneI776q
— Megan Robinson (@threadnz) January 17, 2022
Over 14,000 vaccinations administered to kids
New Zealand's vaccine roll-out for kids aged five to 11 years old began on Monday, January 17.
According to the Ministry of Health website, 14,367 child vaccine first doses were administered to five to 11-year-olds throughout New Zealand on Monday.
"We want to thank children, and the caregivers who supported them, who got their first dose yesterday. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated," a press release read.
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"New Zealand’s vaccine rollout remains our key defence against all variants of Covid-19, including Omicron.
"With 93 per cent of the eligible population now double-dosed and the booster programme underway, New Zealanders are well protected."
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