Embarking on your fertility journey can be packed with all kinds of feelings, including excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty. This emotional mix may intensify amid a global pandemic, bringing you additional questions you wouldn’t have if circumstances were different.
More specifically, the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine has opened a discussion around its implications for fertility treatments and pregnancy.
Is it safe for your fertility?
Can you get the jab while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are there any side effects?
We want to ensure you feel as comfortable and empowered as possible while on the journey to parenthood, so we have answered your questions to put your mind at ease.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe while planning pregnancy?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will not approve a vaccine for use in Australia unless it is safe. This includes impacts on fertility. According to the Australian Department of Health, the COVID-19 vaccines currently approved, or under review by the TGA, are not known to cause any risks to your fertility.
While planning pregnancy, you are able to receive Comirnaty which is most commonly known as Pfizer. There is no need to pause your fertility journey before or after the jab and there is no requirement to take a pregnancy test prior to being vaccinated.
With the Pfizer vaccine it is important to note that it requires two injections to offer its fullest protection against the virus. If you have the first injection and then fall pregnant, you may choose to get the second dose during your pregnancy or wait until after birth.
Which COVID-19 vaccine is safer when trying to get pregnant?
There are two COVID-19 vaccines currently approved by the TGA for use in Australia: Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) currently recommends that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is preferred in adults aged under 50 years who have not already received a first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.
Both ATAGI and RANZCOG advises there is no evidence to suggest women who become pregnant after receiving the vaccines are at increased risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome. Pregnancy or fertility treatment do not need to be delayed after receiving the vaccines.
Can I get vaccinated while pregnant or breastfeeding?
While the vaccine is not routinely recommended during pregnancy, you and your doctor may weigh up the potential benefits of the vaccine against the risks.
If you have a medical condition that may increase the severity of COVID-19 or if you are at high risk of exposure to the virus, you may consider getting vaccinated during pregnancy.
Pregnant individuals with COVID-19 are about three times more likely to require admission to an intensive care unit or needing invasive ventilation than their non-pregnant counterparts of the same age. It’s extremely important that if you believe you have increased risk that you discuss this with your doctor.
While breastfeeding, you are able to receive Pfizer at any time with no need to stop breastfeeding. There is no evidence to suggest that breastfeeding individuals are more at risk of complications from COVID-19 than those who are not. As Pfizer is not a live vaccine, the mRNA is rapidly broken down through the body and there is no suggestion that it passes into breastmilk.
Are there any known side effects?
After vaccination, it is possible you will experience some side effects. According to the Australian Department of Health, the most common symptoms prevalent in people aged between 18 and 55 include:
- Pain at the injection site (about 84%)
- Tiredness (about 62%)
- Headache (about 52%)
- Muscular pain (about 37%)
- Chills (about 35%)
- Joint pain (about 22%)
- Fever (about 16%)
- Diarrhoea (10%)
In most cases, taking paracetamol can help to minimise symptoms like; pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and chills.
Making a decision on vaccination
We encourage you to always discuss your individual circumstances with your fertility specialist to help you make an informed decision about whether to get vaccinated.
Ultimately, if you are trying to get pregnant, we understand that COVID-19 may affect your mental wellbeing and place added stress on relationships. It’s normal to feel some worry during this journey and if you feel these thoughts are becoming a regular part of life, it is important to take care of yourself and share any concerns with your fertility specialist.
Remember, the COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory. Talking through your options, the potential risks and benefits and reading from reliable sources, may help in making an informed decision about whether to vaccinate.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine please head to the Australian Government website.
You can also go through the following recommended readings:
RANZCOG: Covid-19 Vaccination in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
CDC Vaccination Consideration for People who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
RCOG and RCM: Covid-19 Vaccination Fact Sheet
TGA product information – Pfizer
TGA product information – AstraZeneca
If you have any questions about the vaccine and your journey please book an appointment with your specialist or call our friendly staff on 1800 111 373 at your leisure.
