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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Kate Lally

This Morning hit with Ofcom complaints over unvaccinated carer

ITV's This Morning has been hit with more than a hundred Ofcom complaints after a carer appeared on the show.

During the show on February 2, Vernon Kay and Rochelle Humes spoke to former carer Louise Akester, who worked in the care sector for 14 years before losing her job after refusing to have the coronavirus jab.

Back in November, a video of Louise went viral - as she broke down in tears when completing her final shift after having her contract terminated due to government requirements.

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Louise appeared on the ITV morning programme last week to discuss the Government's decision to “revoke” its mandatory Covid-19 vaccination requirements for health and care staff in England.

She said the last shift she worked in the care home - which she "loved" - was the "hardest day of her life".

When asked what her concerns over the vaccine were, she said she "didn't trust" it as it was "so new".

Louise added: "I also took an antibody test that came back saying I had the antibodies.

"So my argument was, if I have these antibodies and if I am testing every day, wearing my PPE, following all the infection controls, how am I putting anybody at risk?

"I didn’t see myself as a bigger threat. I was still doing everything in my power to help those vulnerable people."

As Louise wept, Vernon Kay clearly sympathised with her.

He said: "It's killing me seeing you cry. We genuinely give you a massive hug."

He also called her a "hero".

Many viewers were left unimpressed with the segment.

Taking to Twitter, Joe Dunn said the show was "giving a platform to anti vaxxers".

KitOfHibernia said: "If you don't get that vaccine, that's your decision, but you certainly don't [then] work as a carer and put people at risk."

Beverley Klein called it "disgraceful approval of a vaccine denier."

However, some showed support for Louise.

Huda84 said: "It's her choice."

Anna Taft said: "A vaccine doesn't determine how well a person can do their job."

Television watchdog Ofcom confirmed 101 complaints were made against the show, though it is not yet clear whether an investigation will be launched.

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