Vaccine and fertility - has anyone seen this?

[Startys]

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/941452/Information_for_healthcare_professionals.pdf

Basically says that effects on fertility are unknown. Is this worrying or am I missing something?

@trulydelicious
Yes people are entitled to be concerned about a vaccine but we are also entitled to ensure that other people reading posts fully understand what they are reading and can make a more informed choice.
For example, many people reading this may think “oh my goodness, they say the vaccine might cause infertility, I’m not having it” without realising that the dubious claims beyond that statement would also apply to natural covid infection.
That’s the problem with discussing all this on social media, it’s not just the people engaging in the discussions who read it. Others do too and they need all the information to make a balanced opinion.

From what I’ve read I really don’t think some people who are worried about vaccines are aware that they worries might relate to the infection too. It’s all “I’d rather have covid as it’s low risk for someone like me”

" if OP chooses not to take up the vaccine offered knowing that travel is restricted she would have to accept that trade off. *"
*
Have you not read what the government is saying?

The government does not recommend vaccination for pregnant/breastfeeding women, or women who may become pregnant in the next few months.

Stop presenting this as the OP's stupid choice. She'd simply be following the guidelines, and wouldn't be offered the vaccine in the first place anyway, so would have no way to "choose not to take up the vaccine".

@JS87

I’d rather have covid as it’s low risk for someone like me

I agree. The virus should not be taken lightly either

Ultimately for many it will come down to whether you fear potential effects of the vaccine (which at this stage are unknown) or potential effects of the virus more (which are a lottery).

For example, a 65 year old woman won't be too concerned about any effects on her fertility.

@PurpleDaisies I am not suggesting that Covid causes infertility (although we don’t know). I was pointing out that the long-term effects can make getting pregnant inadvisable.

@HBGKC Absolutely agree. I'm breastfeeding my 6 month-old so won't be having the vaccine unless the government advice changes.

I think it's unhelpful for people to shout "anti-Vaxer" at anyone who has a concern. It's good for people to ask questions. It's what informed consent is all about. People should understand the process of safety testing of the vaccines/medicines/medical devices they use.

@AppleWatcher

I think it's unhelpful for people to shout "anti-Vaxer" at anyone who has a concern. It's good for people to ask questions. It's what informed consent is all about. People should understand the process of safety testing of the vaccines/medicines/medical devices they use.

Yes absolutely, and I've said upthread questions, discussions, and transparency are really important and everyone has the right to be informed. A huge number of my colleagues go above and beyond to try and engage with the public and answer questions.

HOWEVER what isn't helpful and what has happened time and time again on this thread, and many others, is people stating misinformation as fact. It is totally irresponsible to repeat information as a fact without attempting to fact check it, consider where it came from or at least caveat it saying you they heard X (e.g "There is the possible potential that the spike protein could over stimulate the placenta, but they have not yet done studies on this, as it’s been rushed through. That’s probably why they are advising pregnant women or those planning on getting pregnant within 3 months. They will be looking into this more in the summer. Testing on pregnant women.")

(last part of my post got cut off!)

....but aren't an expert in infectious disease epidemiology or similar, and therefore can't be sure of the validity.

@AppleWatcher

I think it's unhelpful for people to shout "anti-Vaxer" at anyone who has a concern. It's good for people to ask questions. It's what informed consent is all about. People should understand the process of safety testing of the vaccines/medicines/medical devices they use.

Absolutely agree. But they should get their information from reliable sources. Excellent coverage on BBC2 right now. There is so much misinformation on social media it is dangerous.