On June 30 2021, we tuned into Reproductive Immunologist, Dr Victoria Male’s ‘The Lowdown on Covid Vaccines: Fertility, Menstrual Cycles & Pregnancy’ Zoom webinar to hear about recent reports. Here’s what we learnt about the vaccine and fertility.

Evidence states that the Covid vaccine does not reduce fertility. During the first round of trials, participants were asked to not get pregnant - though by accident, some did. This occured equally across the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups.

It was found that there was no effect on ovarian function from the vaccine. If the vaccine’s viral protein (Spike) did cause problems for the placenta, there would have been miscarriages seen in the study. But this was not found. Please see here for her full report on Covid19 Vaccination, fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In the UK, the current advice surrounding pregnancy and the vaccine (updated on the 16th April 2021) states that all pregnant people should be offered either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Pregnant people were not included during the first round of trials. So it is understandable that those pregnant may feel wary of getting the vaccine. However, trials of Pfizer and Janssen vaccines in pregnancy are currently being performed.

It should be noted that there are risks associated with catching Covid-19 during the second half of pregnancy, resulting in preterm birth and stillbirth. The safety of using vaccinations during pregnancy is also being monitored and has reported no concerns. Due to the increased risk of catching Covid19 during pregnancy, the UK Government now advises all pregnant people should be offered the vaccination at the same time as the rest of the population. It was also stated that some protective antibodies made by the mother cross the placenta. Please see here for her full report on Covid19 Vaccination, fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding.