ITV has been issued a warning by Ofcom following a Covid segment with Dr Hilary Jones on morning show Lorraine.

The broadcaster has been told to take “greater care” after Dr Hilary shared inaccurate vaccine statistics in December.

The programme attracted 3,833 complaints from viewers over a discussion about the number of unvaccinated Covid-19 patients in hospital.

The segment, on December 6 2021, saw host Lorraine Kelly and resident medical expert Dr Hilary encouraged viewers to accept the offer of a coronavirus vaccination.

A clarification was broadcast on the show two days later, explaining the statistic related to patients in intensive care units rather than the proportion of unvaccinated Covid-19 patients in hospital.

Why did ITV viewers complain?

The Oldham Times: Dr Hilary encouraged viewers to accept the offer of a coronavirus vaccination. (PA)Dr Hilary encouraged viewers to accept the offer of a coronavirus vaccination. (PA)

ITV viewers lodged complaints after ITV’s resident medical expert, Dr Hilary, shared inaccurate information.

He said: “Those people who haven’t been vaccinated, we’d really love you to think again and be vaccinated because 90% of people in hospital are unvaccinated right now with Covid.”

Ofcom issue ITV with guidance

On Monday, media watchdog Ofcom ruled it would not be launching a formal investigation, but has issued ITV with guidance.

In a statement, Ofcom said: “This programme incorrectly referenced the proportion of unvaccinated Covid-19 patients in hospital.

“We have told ITV that greater care should be taken by trusted medical experts when presenting facts and figures on public health issues.

“However, given official statistics and research have consistently shown that vaccination against Covid-19 offers greater protection against serious health consequences, we do not consider that the error was sufficient to materially mislead viewers on this main point of discussion.”