Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. INQUIRER.net file photo
The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday warned the public against believing circulating messages that claim that those who died or had severe reactions from COVID-19 vaccines would get cash prizes and a certificate for being a “hero of the pandemic.”
The fraudulent message being passed around social media said that the government would issue a certificate honoring the vaccine recipient who died or “became permanently disabled” due to COVID-19 jabs as “hero of the pandemic.”
The fake “certificate of honor” was supposed to be signed by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
A fake cash incentive worth P100,000 would also be given provided that the individual meets certain conditions to prove that the death was caused by the vaccine.
“The DOH denies these false promises and offers. We urge everyone to always check official DOH sources before forwarding anything. Delete chain messages,” the health agency said in a statement.
The DOH reiterated that vaccines in the government’s inventory are safe and effective and went through studies and scrutiny by experts.
READ: FDA: Adverse reactions to vaccine shots ‘very low’