The Emmerdale actor caused outrage as he suggested that regular exercise and a varied diet would help fend off the dangerous virus.
James Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle, took to Twitter to say that he 'may not' be getting the coronavirus vaccine when offered, instead implying that vitamins, alongside exercise and a good diet, would be enough to fight off the virus.
Currently, over 150k Covid-19 deaths have been reported during the pandemic in the UK alone and vaccines are currently being rolled out to those over 45, or with medical conditions that make them vulnerable.
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Hooton wrote in his tweet: "I’m 47yrs old.
"I take Vit c,d, zinc, b-12, Q10 and anti virals such as Andrographis, Sambucus, Curcumin, Along with regular exercise and a varied diet.
" I may not be taking a Covid vaccine. I may be labelled “anti vaxer” for being pro immune system, pro informed choice
The actor shared the post after it was announced that over 40s are next in line to be offered the vaccine in the UK.
However fans were quick to comment, sharing their disappointment.
One wrote: "I'm 32, also take the vitamins you mentioned along with regular exercise and varied diet.
"Last Wednesday, I started experiencing Covid symptoms, I tested positive on Thursday and by the evening was experiencing full blown Covid.
"It's no fun."
Another added: "No offence but I think I'll listen to the advice of medical professionals, without whom life expectancy would probably be about 40."
One fan criticised him on the effect of his post on others reading it: "I don't care if you have the vaccine or not but you have followers who may decide not to have it, because of your decision.
"They will see your vitamin regime and think they will be safe if they do the same."
Another stated: “You’ve only considered yourself in your decision according to your tweet, which essentially says ‘I’m alright, Jack.’ You could have a mild case and spread.”
“Please take the vaccine for the sake of others,” one person added.
Others commended him for his honesty, with one positive tweet reading; “The vaccine is and should be your choice.”
However, those spreading inaccurate information and conspiracy theories surrounding vaccinations have been widely criticised.
Last year, another Emmerdale star, Linda Lursadi, who had been hospitalised with coronavirus, also expressed concern over vaccines.
