Kenya: tests show no sterilization agent in tetanus vaccine
January 14, 2015
New tests of a controversial vaccine in Kenya have shown that it does not cause sterilization of woman.
Last year the Catholic bishops of Kenya denounced a government-backed vaccination campaign, saying that samples of the vaccine had been found to include a chemical that could render women permanently infertile without their knowledge. The bishops charged that the vaccinations, announced in a campaign against tetanus, were actually a birth-control effort.
After the Kenyan government denied the complaint, the bishops agreed with public-health officials to arrange new tests under joint supervision. The first results of those tests show no signs of sterilizing agents. Further results are expected soon.
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Further information:
- Tetanus vaccine: the first tests deny that it can be used for birth control (Fides)
- Kenyan government, Church to jointly test vaccine thought to sterilize young women (CWN, 11/19/14)
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