FALSE: The Tetanus Toxoid Vaccines Administered by WHO Neither Have A HCG hormone Nor Cause Infertility
This post shared on X formerly Twitter on 3rd June 2024 claims that it has been discovered that the World Health Organization was injecting Ugandans and Kenyans with a tetanus vaccine that causes infertility by creating antibodies to HCG pregnancy hormone is false
“UGANDA & KENYA
Finally discovered that the World Health Organization was injecting Ugandans & Kenyans with a Tetanus Vaccine that causes infertility by creating antibodies to HCG pregnancy hormone.” The post claims
This message has been seen by over 42 people and this number is increasing which is likely to paint a negative image to the World Health Organization and also discourage people from utilizing these vaccines which could bring about rising numbers of tetanus disease.
The Analysis
According to Center For Disease Control, tetanus is an infection caused by clostridium tetani bacteria which is prevented by vaccination using tetanus toxoid which is administered in three different combinations according to age group including Diphtheria, tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP), Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDaP), and Tetanus-Diphtheria (TD)
The HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) also coined in the claim is defined as a hormone that is found when one is pregnant and it is made by one’s placenta.
Infertility is when a person or an animal is unable to give birth to young ones.
The Kissinger report, on the other hand, also mentioned in the claim is a report written by Henry Kissinger the former United States Secretary in 1974, exploring the potential impact of population growth on global stability and resource distribution.
It also identifies several countries with high population growth as potential trouble spots and recommends population growth measures to mitigate these risks.
Facts.
Through a post shared by the Uganda Ministry Of Health on June 12th, 2024 on their official X handle, clarification on various vaccines is promulgated including on tetanus vaccines.
The infographic attached to the post highlights that similar claims have been in circulation
“In the socio-media clip there were allegations that in 2014, the TT vaccine used in the campaign in Kenya was contaminated with a hormone; Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) which would cause infertility and abortions. The HCG is produced by the placenta during pregnancy however, very high levels may lead to abortions.” The post exposed.
The ministry in the same post clarifies that the samples submitted by the anti-vaxxers claiming that they were contained by HCG were tested by independent investigators and the results were negative.
“Other samples picked from the Kenya Immunization program and other countries by Matercare International and tested, did not confirm the presence of HCG either” the ministry reported
In the same post, the Ministry of Health confirms that the tetanus vaccines have been given to Ugandan children and women for decades “yet they remain the most fertile in the world” which is stated in an image attached to this post in the segment that talks about tetanus vaccines.
The British Broadcasting Corporation BBC published an article on the 13th of October 2014, in which the Kenyan Ministry of Health through the Minister of Health James Macharia confirmed that the tetanus vaccine is a safe and certified vaccine following related claims in Kenya Where catholic bishops were discouraging people from using tetanus vaccines claiming that they were contaminated with a hormone related to birth control which could prevent women from conceiving.
On a phone call to further verify the claims, Munkwase Grant, a Senior vaccines regulatory officer at the National Drug Authority in Uganda told Debunk Media Initiative that the vaccines administered to Ugandans are approved to be safe and very effective, and there has not been any confirmed cases of persons having fertility challenges linked to tetanus vaccines in any Ugandan hospital.
“Like any other vaccine, a few side effects at a mild level may be experienced for two to three days and later disappear”, Munkwase added.
World Health Organization confirms that tetanus vaccines are safe and affordable and if administered according to the World Health Organization recommended schedule, it could provide lifelong immunity against tetanus.
Centre For Disease Control mentions different possible causes of infertility such as disruption of the fallopian tube and abnormalities of the uterus among others and yet tetanus vaccines are not mentioned anywhere in these causes of infertility.
According to research done to establish the most common causes of infertility published by Bahrain Medical Bulletin in June 2019, different causes of infertility exist and are listed as sperm abnormalities, anovulation, and tubal pathology among others but not tetanus vaccines.
The account that posted the claim above is known for posting controversial and unverified posts that could damage international relations and also affect people’s perspectives on different countries and organizations such as this.
Verdict.
The claims are false and misleading to the public . There is no substantive proof that the World Health Organization has been injecting Ugandans and Kenyans with tetanus vaccines that cause infertility.
Tetanus vaccines that are usually administered through the World Health Organization are safe and effective and are proven to provide long-lasting immunity against tetanus disease.