The Commission on Gender Equality has retracted its statement on COVID-19 vaccination and the impact it has on women\u2019s reproductive health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOn the 16th January 2022, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) issued a public statement to the media in which we erroneously quoted an article published in a medical journal which alleges possible negative consequences of vaccination on women\u2019s sexual and reproductive health,\u201d the Commission said on Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In retrospect, the CGE said it acknowledges that issuing the statement was a \u201cregrettable error\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe further regret that it led to the unnecessary distraction of public attention away from our common fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Commission said its objective is the protection and fostering of democracy through ensuring the protection of vulnerable and marginalised communities, which includes ensuring that the information it uses is reflected accurately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Commission will coordinate various education drives in collaboration with various health and medical experts in order to rectify any misinformation which may have occurred as a result of its statement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the Chapter 9 institution has reiterated its support for existing government policy and guidelines on vaccination and expressed confidence in current medical expertise and knowledge as provided by the country\u2019s medical scientific community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe encourage South Africans to exercise their right to access information and to take necessary steps to increase their understanding, through available medical information and expertise, of the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the benefits of vaccination.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the controversial statement, the Department of Health refuted claims by the Commission that vaccines may cause a small change to women\u2019s menstrual cycle length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department continues to maintain that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in women of reproductive age and pregnant women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n