Currently, there is no data suggesting that having an epileptic condition is associated with an increased risk of adverse effects related to a COVID-19 vaccine.
Verification in Brief:
• A persistent and misleading rumor has recently spread through various neighborhoods in Bangui, suggesting that those who receive the COVID-19 vaccine might suffer from epilepsy as a side effect. This has raised concerns and reluctance within the community. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
• To verify this rumor, we contacted the Directorate of Health Care, the Pasteur Institute of Bangui, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Detailed Verification:
• “This is a false rumor; there is no link between the two conditions. COVID-19 vaccines strengthen antibodies and protect us from infections. Epilepsy is a condition affecting the brain, leading to seizures, and is almost incurable,” said Parfait Constant Seboulo, Director of Primary Health Care.
• Similarly, Gilles Stéphane Landry Ngaya, Pharmacist-Biologist at the Pasteur Institute of Bangui, refutes the rumor and adds: “Since we started vaccinating the population against COVID-19, we have not recorded any cases of side effects causing epilepsy. All vaccinated individuals know the contact number of the Pasteur Institute, and no such cases have been reported.”
• Augustin Dibert, Health Promotion Advisor at WHO, states: “This is completely false. We have never heard of this. I have reviewed much literature related to various vaccines, including outside of WHO, and have never seen a study indicating that people experienced epileptic seizures after being vaccinated. I myself was vaccinated with AstraZeneca and am doing well.”
The World Health Organization further clarifies on its official site that epilepsy is a chronic condition affecting the brain, inherited genetically, and characterized by recurrent seizures with brief episodes of involuntary shaking affecting a part of the body or the whole body. However, attributing COVID-19 vaccines to epilepsy is false, as no scientific evidence has proven this.
As part of the fight against COVID-19, the Ministry of Health and Population has implemented an appropriate mechanism for the national vaccination campaign against COVID-19 in the Central African Republic. In this context, misleading rumors aim to manipulate public opinion. However, it is important to note that COVID-19 vaccines are safe as they prevent severe forms of COVID-19. The side effects manifest as chills, fatigue, joint pain, headaches, mild fever, and muscle pain.
By Boris Zekema, AFC
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