RESIDENTS in Colchester have been told to “stick to the facts” after false claims about vaccine deaths among children circulated on social media. 

The posts circulated online claimed four children aged between 12 and 15-years-old had died at Colchester Hospital after having a vaccine.

But the claims, which purported to come from a paramedic, have been rebutted by health bosses amid warnings about sharing false information online. 

As a result of the claims, concern had grown among parents and families in the Colchester area who had sought to find out whether or not there was any truth to the posts.

The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Colchester Hospital, however, has now refuted the claims saying they are completely fabricated.

Chelmsford Weekly News:

Dr Angela Tillett, chief medical officer and consultant paediatrician at the trust, said: “This is categorically untrue.

“No children have died in our hospitals after having the Covid-19 vaccination.

“We would encourage anyone in the communities we serve who has questions or concerns about the safety of the vaccine to only access information from trusted sources.

“This includes the NHS and Government websites.

“This kind of misinformation is extremely unhelpful and is causing unnecessary stress for many families.”

Paul Dundas, leader of Colchester Council, has also now urged people to only listen to medical experts when it comes to Covid-19 jabs.

He added: “I very much hope people stick to the facts on vaccines and check information before they publish anything.

“It is incumbent on all of the responsible people in Colchester and councillors to dispel rumours such as this one.”

Chelmsford Weekly News:

The claims come after 61 per cent of more than 1,000 Gazette readers said they would object to their child being jabbed.

Other residents, however, said they would either ensure their child had the jab or let them make the decision themselves.

Charlotte Richards, for example, said: “At 15-years-old my daughter is old enough to make her own decision whether she wants it or not.”