Should I get the COVID-19 vaccination?

If you’ve been wondering whether you should get the COVID-19 vaccination, the short answer is YES.

Genea and Genea’s Fertility Specialists strongly encourage patients to book in for a COVID-19 vaccination. 
 
The weight of evidence and advice now sits firmly in favour of people getting vaccinated, regardless of where they are in their fertility journey. 

The advice says that women who are trying to get pregnant don’t need to delay vaccination and pregnant women are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination. It has also been made clear by Australia’s organisation for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, that women who have had the COVID-19 vaccination don’t need to delay or avoid becoming pregnant.
 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) issued a statement on 23 July stating: Global surveillance data from large numbers of pregnant women have not identified any significant safety concerns with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines given at any stage of pregnancy. Furthermore, there is also evidence of antibody in cord blood and breastmilk, which may offer protection to infants through passive immunity. Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with their health professional. Women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.

This advice updates the information provided late last year which was given in the setting of low community transmission. RANZCOG now states, and Genea agrees, that it is critical that pregnant women have access to vaccination. This is because the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is significantly higher for pregnant women and their unborn baby.

Genea Medical Director Associate Professor Mark Bowman said none of the vaccines currently available in Australia cause infertility or sterilisation and both are safe and effective. 

You can read more information about Australia’s process for assessing and monitoring the safety of COVID- 19 vaccines here.

The Australian Department of Health also has information on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines here.
  
“Our patients should not hesitate to get the COVID-19 vaccination over concerns it will affect their chance of getting pregnant. There is no evidence that either vaccine available in Australia cause any problems with getting pregnant or cause any problems during pregnancy,” Associate Professor Bowman said.

“In fact, being unvaccinated and catching COVID-19 carries a potential greater risk to people’s fertility and any pregnancy. COVID-19 is a serious virus and could harm both you and your unborn child. We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated.”

Please speak with your Fertility Specialist/GP about your specific circumstances.