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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not know where to turn about vaccine fears?

280 replies

WaxedNotVaxed · 21/07/2021 20:41

I've started a new job in the NHS, I'm patient facing and there is pressure being put on for me to get the covid vaccine as soon as possible.

My fears are that I have PCOS and have always struggled with my periods and my cycles used to be 100+ days. Since having a baby a few years ago I have a 29 day cycle and I don't want to mess with this?

I'm scared about the vaccine making me infertile? Or having long term impacts on my reproductive health? It's scary enough with PCOS and I definitely want another child.

I'm overall just a bit skeptical as a 26 year old woman who wants more kids and has PCOS to get a vaccine without long term studies for a virus id likely only be mildly ill from?

I can't say this at work but I feel really anxious over it

OP posts:
SchrodingersImmigrant · 21/07/2021 20:45

You should speak eith someone with good knowledge about it who can address your worries.
It's absolutely fine to be worried about things.
I remember reading that women with PCOS are at bigger risk of covid and issues so it's absolutely worth for you to speak with someone who can put your mind at ease

WeatherForecast · 21/07/2021 20:46

Have you actually asked work yet whether you being vaccinated is a prerequisite for continuing in the role? Or are you just worrying in case you need it to keep your job, without actually having sought any clarification?

Original poster
WaxedNotVaxed · 21/07/2021 20:47

I won't get sacked for not having it, but I will definitely be judged and it'll make it awkward on my small team who have openly said they can't understand why anyone wouldn't get the vaccine

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DismantledKing · 21/07/2021 20:48

You might only get ‘slightly ill’ from Covid (that’s very debatable, BTW), but you’re patient facing in the NHS. Your client group might be very vulnerable.

Original poster
WaxedNotVaxed · 21/07/2021 20:49

@DismantledKing

You might only get ‘slightly ill’ from Covid (that’s very debatable, BTW), but you’re patient facing in the NHS. Your client group might be very vulnerable.
But is my fertility and reproductive health not also worth protecting?
OP posts:
Kittyswhiskers · 21/07/2021 20:50

Who runs the vaccination program for staff? A lead nurse or chief medical officer? Your worries are fine to have; there’s no evidence to back them up. Women have had delayed periods but I believe this is temporary and self resolved.

BlatantlyNameChanged · 21/07/2021 20:50

You should speak to your GP who will be able to give you advice on PCOS and the vaccine and available information on whether the two will interact. The good news is that there is no evidence so far that it impacts fertility but obviously you should discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor to get more personalised advice.

DismantledKing · 21/07/2021 20:51

But is my fertility and reproductive health not also worth protecting?

If you choose a patient-facing job in the NHS then you really should accept the responsibility that comes with that.

Original poster
WaxedNotVaxed · 21/07/2021 20:53

@DismantledKing

But is my fertility and reproductive health not also worth protecting?

If you choose a patient-facing job in the NHS then you really should accept the responsibility that comes with that.

Absolutely ridiculous statement women working in the NHS should not have to choose between their reproductive health and their careers.
OP posts:
Alittlenonsensenowandthen · 21/07/2021 20:53

Pcos person here too. After first pregnancy my periods had a normal cycle. Stupidly went on pill and they've never returned again properly despite not being on pill for 7 years. I totally understand where you're coming from and no I wouldn't have vaccine.

DismantledKing · 21/07/2021 20:54

Absolutely ridiculous statement women working in the NHS should not have to choose between their reproductive health and their careers.

There’s no evidence it affects reproductive health. There’s plenty of evidence that Covid has bad outcomes.

scaevola · 21/07/2021 20:54

But is my fertility and reproductive health not also worth protecting?

Of course it is. But not at the expense of vulnerable patients.

This might not be the right role for you at the present time.

igelkott2021 · 21/07/2021 20:57

As you work in the NHS I would have thought you would be able to access advice about this - and more authoritative advice than you will receive on MN.

The NHS has an extremely good library service, I'd contact them and they can point you in the direction of whatever literature exists.

Ellpellwood · 21/07/2021 20:57

@scaevola

But is my fertility and reproductive health not also worth protecting?

Of course it is. But not at the expense of vulnerable patients.

This might not be the right role for you at the present time.

This. My mum is ECV/on steroids and has no choice but go for monthly blood tests. I'd be taken aback if the people she was having to see in clinical settings hadn't been vaccinated.
Santatizer · 21/07/2021 20:58

Sorry OP - I disagree with you and agree with @DismantledKing. There is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine will affect your reproductive health - if it was conclusive or highly likely, I could see your point more but you do have a responsibility towards your patients. You are paid to care for them and put them first during your working hours. Why should you put lots of vulnerable people at risk for a complication for which there is no evidence? I do get that you feel very anxious and think it would be good to talk it through with your GP but as things stand, unless you get some clear evidence to the contrary, I think YABU.

Original poster
WaxedNotVaxed · 21/07/2021 20:58

The thing is the research that's out there isn't going to show the long term affects, they just aren't going to be known yet. It seems such a gamble for women of child bearing age to be expected to get the vaccine without this.

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Cheshirewife · 21/07/2021 20:58

@scaevola

But is my fertility and reproductive health not also worth protecting?

Of course it is. But not at the expense of vulnerable patients.

This might not be the right role for you at the present time.

Well said! I couldn’t agree more.
samwitwicky · 21/07/2021 20:59

I work for the NHS. I haven't had the vaccine and don't intend to yet.

I'm not patient facing. I do want another child.

You do you.

You do not have to justify why you are or are not having the vaccine.

Yes you will face pressure. You work for the NHS. Of course you will face pressure. And judgement.

But stand your ground. If you don't want it yet, don't have it.

Those who don't respect your decision and feel it's acceptable to be judgemental of you can fuck off.

PinkDaffodil2 · 21/07/2021 20:59

It’s fine to be worried, I’d find someone in the vaccination team to speak with. As you know you’re higher risk than other women your age if you were to get ill with Covid, and it might help to have someone with a good understanding of the data so far to go through what is known about affects on fertility and mensturation.
My understanding is that statistically there isn’t any affect on fertility, but can be some short term changes to your period due to the immune response.
If you’re not currently trying to conceive I’d be inclined to get at least one dose now, as you might feel more anxious once TTC or pregnant, if patient facing there’s a chance the jab may become mandatory over the next few months like care homes.

KhalliWhalli · 21/07/2021 21:01

If you are that worried, then find another job. It is unfair to put other people at risk.

Ellpellwood · 21/07/2021 21:01

I'm not patient facing

Not the same, is it?

DismantledKing · 21/07/2021 21:02

@WaxedNotVaxed

The thing is the research that's out there isn't going to show the long term affects, they just aren't going to be known yet. It seems such a gamble for women of child bearing age to be expected to get the vaccine without this.
Unfortunately the gamble that you’re taking isn’t the one that you think it is.
toconclude · 21/07/2021 21:02

@samwitwicky

And the vulnerable people she might kill?
Presumably they can fuck off too?

Original poster
WaxedNotVaxed · 21/07/2021 21:03

So I should quit the career that I've studied years for because I, as a young women, have fears over the long term fertility impacts of a still very new vaccine?

Worlds gone mad.

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