Information about "doses to be thrown away" caused many to arrive at the vaccination centers without a queue • "This is a baseless rumor," Meuhedet clarified.
The queue at the arena in Jerusalem following the false messages
Photography:
Haim Toito
In recent days, false notices have been circulated about a surplus stock of vaccines at various points in the country.
A WhatsApp message sent today (Tuesday) stating that "people aged 55 and over from the Jerusalem area can get vaccinated in the arena tonight until 22:00" created long queues, and those arriving without a queue were asked to return to their homes.
"Approximately 2,000 vaccine doses are in the Gila Jerusalem fund's branch," read another false statement.
"Anyone who wants to get vaccinated from the box office is welcome. The dishes will be thrown away today. Transfer to those who are relevant."
The United Health Insurance Fund wanted to warn Pike News: "The news that thousands of vaccines remain in the fund's vaccine centers is a baseless rumor, spread by irresponsible parties. This is not true and it is a waste of time for those who will bother to get to the vaccine centers. Of guests from the target population, this is only a minimal amount, "they clarified.
A representative of the fund who stood at the entrance to the branch pointed out to those standing in line that a complaint would be lodged with the police against the rumor spreaders.
The Ministry of Health also addressed the phenomenon: "In an urgent discussion about vaccines at the HMOs' stations in the north and south, it was decided that if there are excess vaccines at these stations, which may not be exhausted, priority should be given to vaccinating chronically ill populations and priority groups." "Priority groups such as those who have not yet been vaccinated, and later in descending order of age. This decision is intended to allow vaccination to be given as quickly as possible to all those at risk, as this is the way to beat the corona and return to routine."
The ministry said in a statement: "We note that we have been informed that there are vaccine sites and funds that proactively call on non-priority population groups to come vaccinated, while planning appointments for these groups. The Ministry of Health wishes to clarify: At this stage there is no change in priority. ".
It should be noted that in exceptional cases there is indeed a surplus of vaccines and the general public is called upon to be vaccinated without regard to priority, but these are individual vaccine doses and not beyond.