COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As you make the decision to pursue fertility care, we are continuing measures to keep us all safe, we know that you trust and depend on us to provide such a personal and essential service. The Laurel Fertility Care team continues to rely heavily on universal masking, physical distancing, limiting social interactions and frequent sanitizing measures.
The LFC providers are enthusiastic about both the Pfizer and Moderna (mRNA) vaccines that are starting to be rolled out in the United States and know that you probably have many questions as it relates to fertility treatment. Per the most recent ASRM update, a few of the recommendations are below:
- The Task Force does not recommend withholding the vaccine from patients who are planning to conceive, who are currently pregnant, or who are lactating.
- Patients undergoing fertility treatment and pregnant patients should be encouraged to receive vaccination based on eligibility criteria. Since the vaccine is not a live virus, there is no reason to delay pregnancy attempts because of vaccination administration or to defer treatment until the second dose has been administered.
- While COVID-19 vaccination can cause fever in some patients (up to 16% of those vaccinated and mostly after the second dose), this risk should not be a concern when deciding whether to vaccinate a pregnant individual or a patient desiring pregnancy.
The team at Laurel Fertility Care recommends that patients receive the vaccine when it becomes available. Since the mRNA vaccine does not contain a live virus the current data states that there will not be an increased risk of infertility, but as the data evolves so will the recommendations to follow. We remain committed to updating you with information as the data becomes available.
At this point you still have more questions, and we are here to help guide you every step of the way!
Ok, so what is this mRNA vaccine anyway?
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not contain live virus. They deliver mRNA cells near the injection site and thus instructs the body’s own cells to replicate the coronavirus’s spike (s) protein. This protein is recognized by the body as foreign, generating protective antibodies. The mRNA is rapidly degraded and does not enter the cell’s nucleus.
Is there anything I should consider before getting vaccinated?
This is a personal question that you should bring to the attention of your healthcare provider as you are going through treatment. ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine both recommend “that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet the criteria for vaccination”. Read their full recommendations linked below.
When can I receive the Covid-19 vaccine?
Patients can receive the vaccine when it becomes available, this can be before cycle start, during or after pregnancy has been confirmed. Per the ASRM Task Force, “they do not recommend withholding the vaccine from patients who are planning to conceive, who are currently pregnant, or who are lactating.” We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to help answer any questions you may have regarding the receipt of the vaccine.
Stay tuned for the latest updates!
Thank you for placing your trust in us as we navigate this new normal. We look forward to guiding you through the mission of growing dreams together and supporting you throughout this journey.
Your LFC Doctors