False: The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine negatively affects fertility.

By: Ishita Goel
December 9 2020

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There is no evidence that the Pfizer vaccine impacts fertility. Catching COVID-19, however, may impact fertility.The Pfizer vaccine is 95 percent effective. Most trial participants experienced no adverse side effects, and those who did experienced only mild side effects such as fatigue. When the vaccine was rolled out in the U.K., two people with a history of severe allergies were found to be allergic to the Pfizer vaccine. These two people recovered quickly. There is no risk that the COVID-19 vaccine will “sterilize” women. Full Fact reports that the risk of infertility is fictitious. Other news outlets report similar findings. It is true that pregnant and breastfeeding women in the U.K. are not being offered the vaccine. The NHS reports that “there is no evidence [the vaccine is] unsafe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. But more evidence is needed before [pregnant and breastfeeding women] can be offered the vaccine.” What does affect fertility is catching COVID-19. A study published in EClinicalMedicine finds that COVID-19 patients can have lower sperm counts. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.