The polio vaccine makes children sterile in Goma
“The vaccines administered to children in Goma are supposedly intended to render them sterile.”
The rumour has been circulating as voice notes since the launch of the vaccination campaign. It recycles an old narrative, which was already debunked during previous campaigns in the region.
The oral vaccine used is prequalified by the World Health Organisation and is subject to adverse event monitoring. Expanded Programme on Immunisation records show no such signals.
What is true: mild fever may occur within 48 hours. This is not a sign of sterilisation.
- WHO — Safety of oral polio vaccines Official institution
- DRC Ministry of Health — Expanded Programme on Immunisation Official institution
- UNICEF DRC — North Kivu vaccination campaign Official institution