Covid vaccine and ivf

[MF1981]

Hi all

I’m classed as clinically extremely vulnerable so would be eligible for the covid vaccine in the next few weeks as part of group 4. However I know the advice at the moment is not to have the vaccine if you’re pregnant and it was also advice not to have it if you’re planning a pregnancy in the next 3 months, but I don’t know if that’s changed. I’m pretty certain I won’t want it if my FET next week is successful but then that means another 9 months or so of being really careful and basically shielding. But if it’s not successful, is the advice now that you can have it? Even if I plan another FET asap?

My boss was just talking to me about work plans and seemed really disappointed when I said I can’t have the vaccine - he knows I’m having ivf. It made me feel really uncomfortable and like if my FET is unsuccessful I’ll feel pressured to have the vaccine. Likewise it made me feel like I’ll be a burden if my FET is successful and I can’t have the vaccine.

It’s a very difficult decision to make at an already stressful time and now I feel like work is expecting me to be vaccinated ASAP.

@MF1981 what’s the reason you’re in the CEV group? Should you be putting IVF on hold if your risk is so high, you’ll have ongoing appointments and be exposed to the high risk hospital environment during treatment and a subsequent pregnancy?

If I were in your position I’d put IVF on hold and get the vaccine sorted, you could try to ask for the vaccine 3 weeks apart so you can progress on with treatment earlier, but I wouldn’t advise trying to get pregnant without the vaccine if you’re in the highest risk group.

You have legal protections in relation to work, so they can't force you to take the vaccine regardless of your reason for not wanting it. Your work also need to make reasonable adjustments to allow you to work without risking your health, or to support you working from home, or allow you to go on furlough. So, try not to feel pressured one way or the other - this is your body and your choice.

The guidance has been updated slightly, to suggest that people in certain groups may want to take the vaccine if pregnant or trying to conceive, eg if the person is at increased risk of exposure, if they have specific health conditions... I'd suggest speaking with your clinic and your GP, and asking them for their advice about your specific circumstances.

Good luck with your FET and stay safe!

Thanks @Scirocco

@Gardenlady543 I had already started my FET before this latest round of lockdown and my clinic are happy for me to proceed. I have mild cystic bronchaectasis (I seem to remember you’re medical so may know what this is) which is treated with an inhaler used for Copd. It’s not ideal as we didn’t know the timings for the vaccine when we started the FET a month ago. Also because of my age we don’t want to delay it any further - we’re already a year down the line from our initial referral and I’ve still not had a transfer. Good idea about asking if I could have it 3 weeks apart if this FET is unsuccessful.

@MF1981 That’s interesting that your respiratory condition would be considered severe enough to fall under the CEV group but not severe enough to risk a high risk pregnancy in which case the HFEA have stated treatment should not go ahead.

@Scirocco careful about giving legal advice, “Your work also need to make reasonable adjustments to allow you to work without risking your health, or to support you working from home, or allow you to go on furlough. So, try not to feel pressured one way or the other - this is your body and your choice.”

You are confusing different pieces of legislation. Firstly the need to undertake a risk assessment, which should occur regardless of any underlying medical condition. For covid this means taking into account a person’s individual risk, the geographic risk and workplace risk and taking these into consideration when making decisions about work. It is ideal if an employer can accommodate home working but there is no law to state this should occur and if it cannot be accommodated and a person needs to be absent to avoid the workplace, then it’s up to an employer how long an absence can be accommodated for.

An employer only has to make reasonable adjustments if a person falls under disability legislation under the Equality Act 2010, this is a legal decision that can only be made by an employment tribunal or a higher court. What is reasonable is dependent on buisness and practicality terms. The adjustments a large organisation can make will be very different to that of a small organisation.

Ideally those who fall into the CEV group should work from home, it’s great if @MF1981 employer can accommodate this but an employee has no right to demand to work from home or be furloughed, these are managerial decisions.

An employer can’t demand an employee has the Covid vaccination, but I would be very concerned about those in the CEV group putting themselves at risk by refusing the vaccine, especially when having treatment like IVF that is likely to put them at an increased risk of coming into contact with Covid. It will only put the NHS under more pressure if such a vulnerable person then contracted Covid, putting HCW at risk and taking up valuable resources.

I would have a proper conversation with the clinic given your situation. In other countries they are allowing pregnant women to have the vaccine. The benefits and risks need to be weighed up and an appropriate decision made.

My employers have been very good and have put people first throughout the whole pandemic - our offices have been closed and the majority of people working from home or furloughed. Hence why the surprise today when talking with my boss. I guess I’ll figure it out. @Gardenlady543 I appreciate you taking the time to reply but have to say you have made me feel that I’ve done something wrong which I’ve found quite upsetting this evening. I’ve been open and honest with my clinic and that’s all I can do really.

Hi @MF1981
Have you see the most recent RCOG guidance? It says you don't need to avoid pregnancy after the vaccine. The guidance to wait 3 months has been replaced. I found this reassuring.
I'm doing a FET cycle and had the vaccine last week as I work for the NHS. I decided my risk of catching covid is far greater than any theoretical risk from the vaccine.
Good luck with whatever you decide, I understand that it isn't easy to weigh up the risks especially when there is so much conflicting info out there xx

www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/updated-advice-on-covid-19-vaccination-in-pregnancy-and-women-who-are-breastfeeding/

Thank you @bicyclesandbeyond that’s really helpful. I guess what’s in the back of my mind was all those cases years ago to do with the anti morning sickness drug and the effects not being known straight away. I don’t want to risk any harm to an unborn baby but have to weigh up the risk to myself too. It’s really tough.

I don't think your work can force you to have the vaccine. I have heard some stories of a company saying that they expect all employees to be vaccinated but that seems a minority.
It is a little difficult and I was really undecided for a while- I work in healthcare. Having to weight up risks of catching covid and the risks of getting the vaccine whilst TTC. And yes @bicyclesandbeyond is right the guidance has changed in that you don't need to avoid pregnancy now once you've had your second dose! I hope with more evidence the guidance gets even less strict but we will see.
Have you discussed it at all with your respiratory consultant (if you are under one) and see what their advice is? They are recommending consider vaccine in pregnant for at risk groups.
Good luck with your decision xx

*consider vaccination in pregnancy in certain high risk conditions, sorry not sure if what I wrote made sense!xx

As far as I'm lead to believe the guidance changed regarding pregnancy and the vaccine is now welcomed to those pregnant/breastfeeding or ttc

I wish you well and hope after a discussion with a professional you are able to get the vaccine

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Thanks @unknownscot I didn’t know that.

Thanks @Roo45 - I’m not under a consultant as I was discharged years ago because my condition is so well under control. I rarely get any symptoms from it. In fact I was shocked when I got notification to shield! We have been shielding and most things I’ve read said that if you’re shielding then you can continue with treatment.

@MF1981 - I think we have to remember that thalidomide was given to women in the 50s and 60s and medicine and drug regulation has come a long long way since then. I don't think you need to worry about the vaccine in the same bracket as this. I know lots of healthcare workers are having the vaccine at all stages of TTC and pregnancy, but I also appreciate it's a personal decision xx

Thanks @bicyclesandbeyond that is reassuring. Do you know if they’re suggesting a particular trimester is safer? I know the first trimester can be the trickiest so wasn’t sure if they were advising to wait until the second at all.

There isn't any advice about trimesters. I think high risk women (healthcare workers and those with underlying conditions) are being offered it regardless of pregnancy stage. I decided I would have been happy to have it any any stage of TTC, IVF or pregnancy, but I'm pleased to have got my first dose in before my next FET. I'd be gutted to catch covid mid IVF cycle after avoiding it for the past year!

@MF1981 - just noticed a typo in my reply above - should be a "may" in between "your work" and "also". Also, to make it clear, I'm not giving legal advice in any professional capacity whatsoever and I can't type on my mobile, proof-read and work, clearly! Sorry!

The HFEA have a regularly updated "FAQs" page on Covid, which is mainly aimed at professionals working in fertility services but should also contain their most up-to-date recommendations about vaccination and treatment options. The British Fertility Society and ARCS have also put out a joint statement about vaccination and trying to conceive, which might be helpful for you.

Thanks @Scirocco I’ll take a look at that. I got really anxious last night and spent ages scouring the hfea site in case I was going against advice but it seems I’m not so that was reassuring. It’s so difficult navigating ivf as it is without all this covid stress on top. Dear me. I know my employer will support me as they have been excellent, it was just a surprise to have that conversation with my boss yesterday. Especially as I wasn’t expecting it. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

@MF1981 I have read to ideally have the vaccine after 14 weeks.

Have a read here... x

Those photos don't seem very clear on the app. Let me know and I can direct you elsewhere. X

@unknownscot if you could direct me as to where I could find these please that would be amazing. Thank you so much x

@MF1981

Sorry, it was on Instagram - @thefertilityhack however they are no longer there. If you message her (if you're on IG) then she will not doubt send you them.

It is generally more about the vaccine if currently pregnant.

However, elsewhere I have read that if you have underlying health problems then the vaccine benefits greatly outweigh the risk.

🤞🏼

@unknownscot thank you!

Epidummyology have a great new post on Instagram

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There is zero research to back up that this new "experimental " vaccine is safe during fertility treatment, pregnancy or breastfeeding. I would be very cautious about taking it. I read that a few women in the US have miscarried very soon after taking the vaccine. There might not be a link but then again there might be a link. It's a really tough decision.