False, as confirmed by the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the vaccination program (PEV) service.
A rumor circulating by word of mouth claims that the tetanus vaccine causes abortion in women is false.
Widespread in Bangui, the misleading rumor suggests: “the tetanus vaccine causes abortion in women.” However, no scientific study has supported this claim.
Verification:
According to Pulchérie Clémentine Aboryot, Head of the Vaccination Program (PEV), this vaccine is, in fact, essential for pregnant women and disproves the information:
“This is false information. The tetanus vaccine aims to protect the health of pregnant women because they often use sharp objects and if they accidentally injure themselves, their lives can be at risk.”
Leticia Mbéllé, a mother who received this routine vaccine, also emphasized:
“This is completely false because I was given the tetanus vaccine while I was pregnant, and it did not cause my baby to miscarry.”
In the same vein, Dr. Shyaka Adelard, Medical Coordinator at MSF Belgium Mission RCA, also refutes the claim:
“This is not true; it is a false rumor. The tetanus vaccine protects women, especially those of childbearing age, and is a type of attenuated vaccine, so it does not have effects that could harm the health of women or children.”
Furthermore, Augustin Dibert, Health Promotion Advisor at WHO, denies this information:
“No scientific literature has mentioned this claim. The tetanus vaccine enhances the health of women and protects the child they carry. People should be careful about what they say as it does not contribute to the government’s efforts to ensure the population’s health.”
The tetanus vaccine is designed to prevent tetanus, a disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Its effectiveness is significant, and its side effects are mild. It is among the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization throughout life.
These rumors spread widely following the tetanus and COVID-19 vaccination campaign launched on Wednesday, November 7, 2022, in Boali, 95 km from Bangui. The tetanus vaccine is currently highly recommended as it is combined with diphtheria to protect the health of women and children. However, there are some side effects such as pain, redness, fever, headaches, and muscle or joint pain, but these do not cause abortion in women, according to specialists.
By Boris Zekema / AFC
This article is produced as part of the AFC-Internews partnership funded by USAID. However, the content is the responsibility of AFC.
Do you find information and images suspicious? Contact our editorial team at +236 75 38 11 73 / 72 30 85 45, or write to [email protected]
