A rumor has been completely rejected by the Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance, Vaccination, and Prevention at the Ministry of Public Health and Population, as well as by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since mid-May and June, a rumor has been circulating among the population in Bangui and its surrounding areas, claiming that “COVID-19 vaccines destroy white blood cells.” This is false.
The fact-checking editorial team of the Central African Fact-checkers Association (AFC) interviewed Dr. Kalthan Ernest, Director of Epidemiological Surveillance at the Ministry of Public Health and Population, who debunked this rumor.
“It is practically false; white blood cells cannot be destroyed by COVID-19 vaccines. Instead, white blood cells are a part of the human body that strengthens the immune system and defends the body.”
Alban Walter Lemotomo, Head of the Vaccination and Prevention Directorate at the Ministry of Public Health and Population, also told AFC:
“False, there is no scientific evidence to support this rumor. COVID-19 vaccines do not destroy white blood cells; instead, they help protect them.”
Contacted by AFC, Augustin Dibert, Health Promotion and Communication Advisor at WHO’s Central African representation, emphasized:
“COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and getting vaccinated helps protect against severe forms of COVID-19, preventing death from the disease. It is possible to experience mild side effects after vaccination, which are signs that the body is building protection.”
Additionally, the official WHO website confirms that while COVID-19 vaccines may have side effects, this does not mean they are harmful; rather, they are beneficial.
Fouf / AFC Editorial Team
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