As the age groups being offered the coronavirus jab are getting younger, couples across the country want more details on the impacts of the vaccine on pregnancies and whether there are many long term implications. 

Although the jab to protect against coronavirus has only existed for a matter of months, the British fertility society and Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists say there’s no evidence the vaccines will affect fertility in women, men, those already pregnant and people on fertility treatment. What concerns the AstraZeneca jab, a statement has been issued saying that the associations “share a common interest in ensuring that eligible women continue to benefit from COVID-19 vaccination prior to embarking on pregnancy, as well as during pregnancy”.

Doctor Santander Lall, clinical director at Medway Primary Care Network says it is important for patients to raise their concerns to their doctors:

“Some of this is based about reassuring people, but not false reassurance. This is the evidence, this is why we’re saying it is safe, it’s not just about having the vaccination and getting rid of the pandemic. It’s important to talk about those concerns and realise that it isn’t an issue“.

Experts say if you are thinking of having a baby in the near future, getting the vaccine and reducing the chances of catching coronavirus may help you in the long-term.

Tannice Hemming, Chair for North Kent Maternity Voices Partnership, who received the vaccine shortly after having her son believes it is important for those wanting to start a family to remain healthy:

“I had my vaccination, came home and fed my son, so all was good. I would suggest that the effects of catching COVID are much more likely to have an impact on you as a mother and if you want to try and conceive and end up getting the long COVID. Just do all you can to avoid catching COVID, then think about adding to your family“.

Although some families still fear the unknown long-term vaccine effects and believe it’s too much of a risk, health experts want to reassure them that medicine has greatly evolved and the need to trust clinicians is now more important than ever as “the technology behind the vaccines that are being used has been around for a long time, which we give to patients and pregnant women. As a clinician I wouldn’t be vaccinating people if I didn’t believe it was the right thing“, says Doctor Lall.

As younger age groups are getting vaccinated and more people are testing negative for COVID. its hoped that young couples can get the positive test result they have been waiting for. 

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