"Microorganisms Found in Vaccine" Rumor, Lee Jae-gap Says "Ignoring Absurd Claims Is the Answer"

As 'Vaccine Microorganism Theory' Rumors Spread... Health Authorities Dismiss as "Just Rumors"
Lee Jae-gap: "Claims So Absurd It's Hard to Even Provide a Basis for Response"

Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital criticized the so-called 'vaccine microorganism theory' raised by some. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Gangnam Sacred Heart Hospital strongly criticized the so-called 'vaccine microorganism theory' rumor, which claims that live microorganisms were found in vaccines, calling it "an utterly ridiculous story" and stating, "The media should not even publish such nonsensical claims."

Earlier, on the 13th, obstetrics and gynecology specialist Dr. A claimed at a press conference held by the National Parents' Association Coalition and 67 other organizations that "a large number of microorganism-like entities were found in the culture fluid of the COVID-19 vaccine," and argued that vaccination should be stopped.

In response, the Korean Medical Association's Special Committee for Voluntary Purification (Voluntary Purification Committee) issued a statement on the 17th, announcing its intention to sanction Dr. A for participating in the spread of the 'vaccine microorganism theory' rumor.

The Voluntary Purification Committee pointed out, "As medical professionals, doctors should naturally correct rumors related to COVID-19 when they are shared and provide accurate information so that the public can make informed decisions," adding, "The member in question provided baseless and incorrect medical information, resulting in a loss of public trust in the medical community and damaging the honor of all doctors."

They continued, "We express serious concern that the member provided incorrect information about vaccines during this national crisis caused by COVID-19, thereby threatening the lives and health of the public. This is unacceptable," emphasizing the point.

In this regard, Professor Lee shared the Voluntary Purification Committee's statement on his Facebook page on the 18th. Through comments on this post, he said, "(Dr. A, who claimed the vaccine microorganism theory) honestly makes such an absurd claim that it is difficult to even provide a basis for a response," and added, "Sometimes ignoring ridiculous claims might be better."

He also noted, "Several experts and professors have already responded to this matter," and pointed out that "extreme vaccine haters have been excessively attacking the experts who conveyed this information."

Professor Lee Jae-gap of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital shared the statement of the Korean Medical Association's Special Committee on Voluntary Self-Cleansing on his Facebook on the 18th. Photo by Professor Lee's Facebook capture

Earlier, quarantine authorities also refuted the 'vaccine microorganism theory' rumor. Hong Jung-ik, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Team's Vaccination Management Team, dismissed the claim during a press briefing with reporters on the 15th, saying, "The claim that microorganisms were found inside the vaccine is nothing but a rumor," and added, "If such a thing actually existed, it would be a pharmaceutical safety issue that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety should address."

He further stated the intention to take strict action against the spread of fake news related to vaccines. Hong explained, "We are monitoring conspiracy theories indiscriminately spreading through social networking services (SNS), deleting them or proceeding with legal action depending on the content," and added, "We are cooperating with the Cyber Investigation Unit and the Korea Communications Commission to respond to fake news."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.