COVID, which has affected approximately 200 MILLION people worldwide and caused NEARLY 5 MILLION deaths so far, still maintains its seriousness! Just yesterday, a patient of mine asked questions about the treatment process and the disease with a panicked voice on the phone, starting with: "Doctor, I tested positive, I have Covid. Actually, I had my first vaccine, but I wanted to postpone the second one thinking it might affect me and the treatments..." In our daily practice, such conversations—regardless of the figures—become our "barometer" regarding the prevalence of COVID disease. In the following article, I aimed to share information with you about fertility treatments and COVID vaccines in the light of the latest SCIENTIFIC data.
How many types of COVID vaccines are there, and are they harmful?
There are currently two types of COVID vaccines in practice in our country. Although the mechanisms of action of the two vaccines are different, neither is a LIVE VIRUS VACCINE.
In the BioNTech vaccine, the spike protein sequence of the virus named SARS-Cov2 is converted into an mRNA sequence. This mRNA is made into a vaccine as a lipid nanoparticle. With the application of this vaccine, mRNA produces the spike protein. Our body also activates our immune system to create substances (immunoglobulins) that oppose this protein. These are the substances that protect us when we encounter the real virus.
In the Sinovac vaccine, the SARS-COV2 virus is first produced in large quantities. This abundantly produced virus is treated with a compound called beta-propiolactone. This substance destroys the viability of the virus. When this substance, which has lost its viability but still possesses spike proteins, is injected into the body as a vaccine, it again activates our immune system to create substances (immunoglobulins) that oppose this protein, as mentioned above.
As can be understood, the goal of the vaccine is to mobilize our body's immune system and make our own defense system capable of fighting back.
Which COVID vaccine should I get?
Current data, especially considering mutations, indicate that the BioNTech vaccine is more protective.
They say COVID vaccines have side effects, what if I don't get vaccinated?
Although choosing not to get vaccinated may seem like a personal right in terms of individual rights, we must desire to get rid of this virus, which concerns not only the family, region, or country we live in but all of human life. Because we are still experiencing a pandemic process that affects not only health but also our freedoms of education, trade, and travel. It would be appropriate to view vaccination from a social rather than an individual perspective.
Does the COVID vaccine cause infertility?
The clear answer is no! Research conducted on this subject shows that the vaccine has no harmful effects on sperm, eggs, or embryos.
I am planning a pregnancy; is the timing of the vaccine important?
According to the scientific evidence we have, the timing of the vaccine has no negative effect on the pregnancy process (immediately before, after, or during pregnancy).
Will the COVID vaccine affect my IVF treatment process?
No!!! But unfortunately, COVID disease does affect the process!
Is it okay if I don't get the second dose of the COVID vaccine?
Considering that the success of vaccines in preventing symptomatic COVID disease is around 95% in studies, the recommended dose—for now, two doses—should be administered to achieve full protection.
Should pregnant women be vaccinated?
The short answer is yes. According to current scientific data, pregnancy constitutes a risky group for COVID. For this reason, like other vaccines administered during pregnancy (e.g., Tetanus vaccine), this non-live vaccine is recommended in pregnancy across all scientific platforms. The stage of pregnancy (which week it is) is not considered significant.
Will it harm the baby in pregnant women?
Naturally, it is not ethical to conduct studies on pregnant women. Therefore, there are no specific clinical trials regarding pregnancy and the COVID vaccine. However, the data we have so far does not indicate an increased risk for pregnant women. On the contrary, we have data indicating that the vaccine administered during pregnancy or the breastfeeding period also delivers protective antibodies to the baby.
Can I get the COVID vaccine during the breastfeeding period?
The short answer is YES! There is no known harm of the COVID vaccine to breastfeeding women. Although research on this subject is not yet exhaustive, there is no mechanism suggesting the vaccine could be harmful. Therefore, breastfeeding women can have the COVID vaccine whenever they wish. It is not necessary to stop breastfeeding before or after.
It is known that COVID-19 increases the risks of premature birth, miscarriage, and fetal abnormalities in pregnant women. Additionally, COVID-19 infection increases the risk of needing intensive care by 5 TIMES compared to non-pregnant individuals, especially in advanced weeks of pregnancy. At the point we have reached now, scientific data shows that the potential risks of the COVID vaccine are negligible compared to the ACTUAL risks of COVID infection. Wishing us all healthy, vaccinated, antibody-rich, and happy days...
Prof. Dr. Ümit İNCEBOZ
Sources:
- Human Fertility and Embryology Authority: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/covid-19-and-fertility-treatment/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-patients/frequently-asked-questions-for-patients-on-coronavirus-covid-19. July 28, 2021
- COVID-19 vaccination and assisted reproduction. Statement from The ESHRE COVID Working Group. (Updated). July 8, 2021.
- Morris RS. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein seropositivity from vaccination or infection does not cause sterility. F&S Reports. July 2, 2021.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Coronavirus (COVID) vaccination Information for healthcare professionals Version 1.0: Published June 30, 2021.
- IVF Australia: FAQ on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Australia. June 10, 2021.