Fact or myth?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been the fear of getting sick. Now that COVID-19 vaccines are widely available to the public, questions have been circling about side effects of the vaccine – in particular, fertility after receiving the vaccine.

Understanding the vaccine

Let’s start with the basics. Although the vaccine seems to have been released quickly, we actually had a head start thanks to the National Institute of Health, which created and used MRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) in the 1990’s. Instead of using a live or inactive version of the COVID-19 virus, as with other vaccines, with current COVID-19 vaccines the MRNA teaches our body to create proteins that mimic COVID-19. Our body realizes these proteins are foreign and creates an immune response to get rid of the fake COVID-19 virus. This immune response will stay with the body stopping any future COVID-19 virus. Click here to learn more about the vaccine in general.

Impact on fertility

According to the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility are unfounded. Many tests and studies have been done on the relationship between adult fertility and the COVID-19 vaccine, and there’s no scientific evidence supporting a link between infertility and the vaccine with any gender. In other words, the COVID-19 vaccines have no connection to fertility in men or women.
 
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is strongly encouraged for individuals who are not pregnant, individuals who are actively trying to become pregnant and those who are thinking about pregnancy. It is also not necessary to delay pregnancy after getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
 
Click here to learn more from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
 
Another fear for some is that the COVID-19 vaccine can change a woman’s menstrual cycle.  There is no scientific evidence proving that the COVID-19 vaccines will change a woman’s menstrual cycle. If you or someone you know is concerned about their menstrual cycle, it is recommended to talk to your health care provider.

Impact on children

With the COVID-19 vaccine now available to children 12 and older, you may have questions about its safety. Talk to your child’s health care provider or click here to learn about the safety of the vaccine in children.

Impact on pregnancy and breastfeeding

Health experts are recommending pregnant and breastfeeding women get vaccinated against COVID-19. Click here to learn more.