Anti-vaxxers are using a photo of a Covid vaccine trial patient's foot to spread fake news

After months of anticipation, the first coronavirus vaccines have finally started being rolled out in the UK this week.

The rollout raises hopes that the end of the pandemic could finally be in sight, yet anti-vaxxers are doing everything they can to dissuade people from getting the jab.

Now, anti-vaxxers have started using a photo of a Pfizer Covid vaccine trial patient’s foot to spread fake fears about the vaccine.

Patricia Chandler, from Texas, developed painful sores on her foot shortly after participating in Pfizer’s Covid vaccine trial, in which she received a placebo.

After a walk on a chilly afternoon, Ms Chandler experienced pain in her left foot, and discovered a huge blister, spilling with pus.

Ms Chandler visited several doctors to try to determine the cause, with some suggesting the blisters could be due to a bad reaction to a medicine.

However, the cause was not confirmed.

Her cousin, Rebecca Moore, set up a GoFundMe page to help with Ms Chandler’s medical bills, posting photos of her feet on the page.

Unfortunately, anti-vaxx activists quickly discovered the photos, and are trying to imply the blisters are linked to Ms Chandler’s participation in the vaccine trial.

One wrote: “Supposedly this is a [vaccine] trial participant. Ready to roll up your sleeve?"

And another added: ”See they are trying to deliberately hurt us with the vaccine.”

Medical reports obtained by the BBC have confirmed that Ms Chandler received a placebo in the trial, being injected with salt water rather than the vaccine itself.

Doctors have now confirmed that an injection of salt water in the arm would not cause blisters on the feet.

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Chandler said: “My injury had nothing to do with the vaccine. My bad. People make mistakes.

"The fact that these anti-vaxxers are using this to fuel their agenda is infuriating.”

Like all vaccines, the Covid-19 vaccine can cause side effects, although most are mild and go away within a few days.

The UK government explained: “Most side effects are mild or moderate and go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol."

Mirror