PRETORIA — The Department of Health has publicly addressed and refuted claims propagated by a viral voice note on social media, which falsely alleges that individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 are dying as a result of the vaccine. The voice note, spreading widely across platforms including WhatsApp, inaccurately promotes Nature’s Choice Activated Charcoal as a preventative measure against such unfounded deaths.

According to South African Government News Agency, there have been no deaths directly linked to COVID-19 vaccinations, aside from three cases reported early in the previous year. The department emphasizes that the misleading voice note could significantly contribute to confusion, anger, and anxiety among the public, particularly those who have lost loved ones to the COVID-19 pandemic. The assertion that COVID-19 vaccines are causing deaths is entirely unsupported by evidence.

The public is advised to disregard the misleading recording and to avoid using Nature’s Choice Activated Charcoal as a method to prevent death from COVID-19 vaccinations. This product is not approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the body responsible for regulating the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines available in South Africa.

The department also clarified the use of activated charcoal, noting its application in cases of alcohol overconsumption and poison ingestion, as well as for relieving flatulence. However, it warned that activated charcoal could reduce the effectiveness of other medications by binding to their active ingredients and might interfere with the absorption of nutrients from the diet. The Health Department advises the public to exercise caution with over-the-counter and unscheduled health products and to consult a registered health professional before use.