The COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy

Can the vaccine affect my fertility?

No. There is no evidence to suggest any vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, have any effect on male or female fertility.

According to a joint statement issued by the UK’s Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, there is are no believable biological ways that the current COVID-19 vaccines would cause any impact on fertility.

If you are planning pregnancy

If you are planning a pregnancy, you can receive either of the COVID-19 vaccines available.

According to a statement from The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), “There is no evidence that women who become pregnant after receiving the vaccine are at increased risk of teratogenicity, miscarriage or maternal illness. Pregnancy need not be delayed after receiving the vaccine.”

You do not need to avoid becoming pregnant before or after vaccination. You are not required to have a pregnancy test before getting vaccinated.

If you become pregnant after your first dose, you might choose to have the second dose during pregnancy (see Factors to consider when deciding the timing of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy below) or you might choose to wait until after your pregnancy. It is important to note that the first dose may only provide partial protection against COVID-19, and this protection may be short-lived. You will only have full protection after two doses.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or midwife if you have any questions or concerns.

ARTICLE VIA QUEENSLAND HEALTH: This article first appeared on the Queensland Health Website

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If you are pregnant

At this stage, the COVID-19 vaccine is not routinely recommended to be given during pregnancy as there is limited experience with the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women. As we learn more about the vaccines, this advice may change.

If you are pregnant, ask your doctor, pharmacist or midwife for advice before you receive this vaccine.

You should consider having a COVID-19 vaccine during your pregnancy if:

  • you have medical risk factors for severe COVID-19
  • you are at high risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 or very likely to be in contact with people with COVID-19.

You may prefer to wait until after your pregnancy to be vaccinated if:

  • you have no risk factors for severe COVID-19
  • you are not at high risk of exposure to COVID-19.

This article was written during the Queensland response to the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects the information available at the date of publication. The content is based on the Australian Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy. Please check the Australian Department of Health COVID-19 webpage for updated information and current health advice regarding COVID-19 and vaccinations in Queensland.