Infectious Disease Specialist Questions Infectious Disease Specialist

I don’t want to get the vaccine?

I have been doing a lot of research on the COVID-19 vaccine and its effects on pregnant and breastfeeding women. Furthermore, I have been looking into how the vaccine could affect infertility.

Obviously, I’m not a doctor which is why I’m asking your opinion. I have an actual fear of getting the vaccine because there is not a lot of factual evidence on the effects of fertility in these vaccines. I’m not by any means an “anti-vaxxer” but since this is not FDA approved (I know it was authorized for emergency medical use, but not yet approved), I worry.

Furthermore, every website of these vaccines has said there is “not sufficient evidence that says the vaccine causes infertility.” What I’m worried about is that there is no evidence that DOES NOT prove that the vaccines cause infertility.

If you could advise, I would greatly appreciate it.

Female

2 Answers

There is no evidence at all or even suspicion that any vaccine affects fertility - and it has been looked for. Someone made up this idea and it took on a life of its own on the internet. The vaccines save lives and should not be avoided based on wild, unsubstantiated rumors.

Carl Lauter, MD
Thanks for your question. There are no studies concerning fertility rates in vaccinated women or men. That makes it impossible to make a recommendation. We do know that receipt of the vaccines during pregnancy does not increase the rate of fetal abnormalities. Use your best judgment, but understand that the larger the number of unvaccinated people, the less the chance of achieving herd immunity, which would allow the easing of restrictions. Google studies periodically to see if any fertility studies are available.

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