Doctor says not to get flu jab at same time as covid vaccine
Covid vaccines have been in the UK for a full week, after months of clinical trials and scientific research. But despite the Pfizer jab’s rollout across the country, there are still some aspects to the vaccine that need more research. Could the vaccine affect your fertility, or chances of getting pregnant?
Almost 140,000 people received their first doses of the Covid vaccine during the first week of its rollout.
The number is expected to vastly increase as more and more local vaccination clinics are established.
By the end of the week, an estimated 200 clinics are expected to be up and running.
The vaccine is the best way to protect against coronavirus. It’s more than 90 percent effective, according to the latest clinical trials.
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Does the Covid vaccine affect fertility?
It’s still not entirely clear how the vaccine affects both pregnancy or fertility.
That’s because specific research into the link hasn’t been carried out, according to Dr Fertility’s consultant doctor and medical director, Dr Matthew Prior.
Seeing as there isn’t as much known about the vaccine in pregnant women – or those thinking about getting pregnant soon – anyone in these categories should avoid taking the vaccine for now.
If you’re thinking of getting pregnant within three months of having the first vaccine dose, you should also steer clear of the jab, he said.
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“This week some people in the UK will be offered a vaccination against COVID-19. After a long year this is great news,” Dr Prior told Express Health.
“However, pregnant women and women considering getting pregnant need to understand how this may affect them.
“Specific research into the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy has not yet been carried out.
“Given that little is known about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy, the current Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advice is not to have the vaccination if you may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy within three months of the first dose.
“This is precautionary as there is no evidence that the vaccine may be harmful. There is also no evidence that the vaccine can reduce fertility.”
But, if you’re in the clinically vulnerable category, or are currently eligible for the vaccine, you should get immunised as soon as possible.
It’s a better idea to get vaccinated and then push back your pregnancy plans three months, added Dr Prior.
“If you are advised to have the vaccine because you are clinically vulnerable or a healthcare worker, you are advised to have the vaccine and wait three months after the first dose before trying to conceive,” he said.
The over-80s have already been invited to have the Covid vaccine, along with some health and social care workers.
Care-home residents have now started to receive the vaccine, which needs to be kept at -70 degree Celsius temperatures in transit.
Around 800,000 doses of the vaccine arrived in the UK last week.
Millions more are expected to arrive – and be administered – before the end of the year.
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