More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A group of anti-vaccine protesters has targeted the home of TV medic Dr Hilary Jones over his support for the Covid-19 jab.
The conspiracy theorists, brandishing placards and megaphones, descended on his Edenbridge property on Saturday and attempted to 'serve' him with what were described as some form of legal papers.
Dr Jones, who last year was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to broadcasting, public health information and charity, has been a staunch advocate for the uptake of the vaccine which has helped the country emerge from lockdown.
It is not known if the 68-year-old, who regularly appears on Good Morning Britain, was at home when the mob gathered outside.
Despite repeated studies which have shown the vaccine to be safe, some have been caught up in what the British Medical Association (BMA) describes as "a social media-fuelled storm of misinformation".
Among the unproven claims touted by the anti-vaccine movement are that the vaccines will change our DNA, implant microchips or sterilise people. They also claim Covid-19 is caused by 5G radiation, biological warfare or aliens.
Commenting on the spread of these wild theories earlier this year, Professor Dame Parveen Kumar, chairman of the BMA’s board of science, said: "We need to act quickly and firmly against these narratives.
"We need to tell people the truth: that immunisation is good for you. If you’re offered a vaccination, take it. We have to get the world vaccinated: this is a major pandemic."
A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 9.15am on Saturday to a protest in Kent Hatch Road, Crockham Hill, Edenbridge.
"Officers attended and words of advice were given to residents and the protestors. No arrests were made."
Dr Jones has been approached for comment.
