Covid-19 vaccines do not impact fertility and any claims that they do are not backed up by data, healthcare bodies have said.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOP) and Royal College of Midwives (RCM) yesterday released statements reassuring women that there is ‘no biologically plausible mechanism’ in which the current Covid-19 vaccines could impact women’s fertility.
The statements come as rumours have been circulating online about the Covid-19 vaccines that are approved for use in the UK, including that the jabs could affect women’s fertility.
RCGOP president Dr Edward Morris 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.’
RCM chief executive Gill Walton added that women eligible for the vaccine should ‘consider discussing any concerns they might have with their midwife or healthcare professional’.
She continued: ‘If you are eligible for and have been offered a Covid-19 vaccine, the decision whether to have the vaccination is your choice. You can either have the vaccine or wait for more information about the vaccine.’
Currently, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) does not recommend pregnant women get the vaccine.
Although there is no evidence of safety concerns or harm to pregnancy, there is ‘insufficient data to recommend routine use of Covid-19 vaccines during pregnancy,’ it said.
However, pregnant women who are frontline health or social care workers, including carers in a residential home, or are clinically extremely vulnerable can discuss the option of the vaccine.
The JCVI also now advises that the vaccines can be given to breastfeeding women.
The RCM has produced an information sheet to help pregnant women who are eligible for and have been offered vaccination make an informed choice, and Q&As on Covid-19 vaccination, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
