No evidence Covid-19 vaccine affects fertility

24/01/2021

No evidence Covid-19 vaccine affects fertility

The Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have issued a joint statement to confirm there is “no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility”.

The Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) have issued a joint statement to confirm there is “no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility”.

“Evidence has not been presented that women who have been vaccinated have gone on to have fertility problems”

Edward Morris

It appears there has been a number of claims about the impact of having a vaccination on fertility in recent weeks, particularly on social media.

One student nurse, who is also a senior care assistant, told Nursing Times such misinformation on fertility was one of the main reasons colleagues were worried about having the vaccine.

But this week, Dr Edward Morris, president of the RCOG, has said: “We want to reassure women that there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility.

“Claims of any effect of Covid-19 vaccination on fertility are speculative and not supported by any data.”

He said there was “no biologically plausible mechanism by which current vaccines would cause any impact on women's fertility”.

“Evidence has not been presented that women who have been vaccinated have gone on to have fertility problems,” added Dr Morris.

For women in the age group where they may be considering pregnancy, the Covid-19 vaccine is only currently being offered to health and social care workers who are at a higher risk of catching the virus and those with serious medical conditions which put them at a greater risk of severe illness.

The unions added that pregnant and breastfeeding women who are eligible will also be offered the vaccine.

“If there is misinformation put out in regards to health, I think any health professional has some role in tackling that”

James Savage

Chief executive at the RCM, Gill Walton, highlighted that for those eligible, the decision to have the vaccination was their choice and encouraged women to discuss any concerns with their midwife.

“You can either have the vaccine or wait for more information about the vaccine,” she noted.

“Women who are eligible for the vaccination should consider discussing any concerns they have with their midwife or healthcare professional."

Gill Walton

The unions have also produced an information sheet to help eligible pregnant women make an informed choice, as well as a question and answer document on Covid-19 vaccination, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Article source: www.nursingtimes.net

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