A Rocky Mountain House holistic health shop is asking those who have been recently vaccinated against COVID-19 to stay away, alleging risk of virus shedding.
But Alberta Health Services said since COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada do not contain the live virus, the vaccine cannot cause people to shed the virus.
On Tuesday, Tea Rock Shop released a Facebook post of a sign that said: “Do Not Enter if you have received any Covid Vax in the last four weeks. Please do not be mad at us, be mad at the manufacturers. We have a pregnant staff member and this is for her protection and ours.”
The post went on to say, “There is no proof the vax works and no proof it does not shed….. this is for our safety!”
The post has since garnered hundreds of comments from those both for and against COVID-19 vaccines.
Hate us if you want, this is our stance and new policy! There is no proof the vax works and no proof it does not...
Posted by Tea Rocks on Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Tea Rock did not want to provide further comment about its decision, and said harassment over its decision had become a serious problem.
On Facebook, the store commented: “I don’t get why so many have to attack, just stay away please. I’m not saying the science proves 100 per cent that it sheds as this is a human science experiment, but its sure looking that way… And therefore we are exercising caution until there is more proof and science on the world scene…..
“When we know more, our policy could change again and if things get scarier and more dangerous we will lock the door and screen entry….. not looking to argue either way, just protecting our sanctuary and business in these highly adverse and unknown times.”
Alberta Health Services said in a statement that COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada were safe and effective.
“There are different types of COVID-19 vaccines – mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) and viral vector-based (AstraZeneca/Covishield and Janssen). None of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines in use in Canada contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19, nor can it make you shed the virus,” the statement said.
“We encourage residents to get information about COVID-19 from fact-based, reputable sources such as albertahealthservices.ca, myhealth.alberta.ca, alberta.ca and canada.ca.”
AHS said immunization protects the person getting the vaccine, as well as the health of their loved ones and the community.
“Vaccines are a critical way to limit the spread of COVID-19.”