No scientific study confirms an epidemic of infertility in the Central African Republic caused by the COVID-19 vaccine, according to specialists.
Summary of the verification:
A rumor is currently circulating in Bangui and its surroundings claiming that approved COVID-19 vaccines have caused an epidemic of infertility in the country. This is false information that should be approached with caution. Health specialists completely reject this claim.
Detailed verification:
Interviewed by AFC, Dr. Louis Médard Ouarandji denies: “There is no link between the vaccine and human reproductive cells. This is false information; I have been vaccinated, and so have my children. I have not observed such phenomena, and vice versa.”
Augustin Dibert, Health Promotion Advisor at WHO, expresses surprise at an epidemic of infertility in the CAR not reported by the competent health authorities. “No international or national WHO report on the COVID vaccine has confirmed that the vaccine could cause infertility in women or affect male sperm. Moreover, the vaccines are not specific to the CAR. These are mere false allegations; no scientific document has approved this.”
Maxime Yoro, who is vaccinated, is upset: “My wife and I were vaccinated last September, and she is now pregnant and will likely give birth in the coming days. Some compatriots are spreading rumors about the COVID-19 vaccine to discourage others from getting vaccinated, which is not right.”
No international report on the pandemic has confirmed that the vaccine can cause infertility in women or affect male sperm, according to the World Health Organization’s FAQ.
By Cynthia Chimène Sangbate, AFC
Do the information and images seem doubtful to you? Contact our editorial team at +236 74 02 15 70 / +236 75 81 61 38 / +236 75 38 11 73, or email us at [email protected]
