Web page addresses craziest vaccine myth

The federal Department of Health answered the curious question on its “Is it true” page, where it responds to misinformation being shared in the community and online by providing “accurate, evidence-based answers to questions” about the jab.

“Can COVID-19 vaccines connect me to the internet?” the government web page asks.

The answer, of course, is “COVID-19 vaccines do not – and cannot – connect you to the internet”.

The theory originated because some mRNA vaccines, a new type of jab used to protect against infectious diseases, include a material called hydrogel, which is used to help disperse the vaccine slowly into the recipient’s cells.

“Bioengineers have used similar hydrogels for many years in different ways,” the health authority said. “For instance, they’ve used them to help stem cells survive after being put inside our bodies.

“Because of this, some people believe that hydrogels are needed for electronic implants, which can connect to the internet.”

But the Pfizer mRNA vaccine doesn’t even contain hydrogels as a component, instead using a piece of mRNA that is “coated in a lipid (fatty) droplet”.

“The lipid helps the vaccine enter our cells, as the membrane holding our cells together is also made mostly of lipid,” the Department of Health said.

“The vaccine and the membrane can fuse easily, depositing the mRNA inside the cell.”

The post emerged as the government battled fears the AstraZeneca vaccine could, on rare occasions, create fatal blood clots, with European research finding a link between the two.

Australia’s medical experts were forced on Thursday to review evidence about the vaccine after the UK recommended people aged under 30 be offered an alternative to AstraZeneca.

Greg Hunt was pushed on whether the decision could alter the federal government’s rollout plan, given AstraZeneca accounts for the bulk of vaccinations in that age group.

Mr Hunt said the government would be prepared to make changes based on “fearless and frank” advice from authorities.

“If they provide age restrictions or other variations, we’ll do it, we’ll adopt it,” he said.

Australia’s immunisation advisory group and drug regulator – which met on Wednesday about the issue – were on Thursday considering the latest vaccination findings about the rare blood clot events from Europe and the UK.

Their advice will then be provided to the Australia’s expert medical panel, and the Commonwealth later on Thursday evening, as well as discussed with leaders in national cabinet on Friday.