Recent rumors circulating in Bangui claim that COVID-19 vaccines cause Long COVID. According to health authorities, this is false and lacks scientific basis.
The rumor being spread by word of mouth asserts: “COVID-19 vaccines cause Long COVID.”
However, after verification with competent health authorities, AFC found that this information is entirely fabricated and there is no concrete evidence to support it.
Verification:
To verify this information and distinguish fact from fiction, we contacted the World Health Organization’s office in Central Africa. Augustin Dibert, their health advisor, clarified that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. “COVID-19 vaccines help protect against severe forms of the virus. Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms that can last more than 12 weeks after the initial infection, but these symptoms are not caused by the vaccines.”
He continued: “For some individuals, symptoms may persist beyond 12 weeks and are not attributed to other known conditions unrelated to COVID-19, such as diabetes or thyroid disease. It is crucial for people to get vaccinated to prevent severe forms of the disease.”
In a Facebook post on October 17, 2022, the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) stated: “COVID-19 vaccines do not cause Long COVID. Long COVID symptoms are long-term effects that some people experience after being infected with the virus.”
According to the site Assurance Maladie: “COVID-19 is a disease where symptoms generally disappear within 2 to 3 weeks. However, some patients may continue to experience symptoms beyond 4 weeks after infection, whether or not they were hospitalized.”
Vaccines protect us against the virus responsible for COVID-19. It is much safer to be vaccinated than to risk contracting COVID-19 and potentially experiencing Long COVID.
After verification, the claim that COVID-19 vaccines cause Long COVID is false and should be disregarded.
Marie-Paule Vopiadé / Princia Yalla / AFC
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