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Latest trusted advice about vaccination
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Since March 11, 2020 we have all been living in the new norm of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in devastating loss of life worldwide and major changes in livelihood with numerous risk-mitigating restrictions.
One of the key strategies of the scientific community in response to the pandemic has been the development of COVID-19 vaccines that aim to reduce the risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.
Mass vaccination against COVID-19 began in late 2020 in various parts of the world. The United States and United Kingdom have already fully vaccinated more than 40 per cent of their populations, according to the John Hopkins Centre for COVID-19.
The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) understands that its members and the public might have specific questions regarding the use of COVID-19 vaccines in the context of pursuing a pregnancy, either spontaneously or through medically assisted reproduction.
It has provided the following guidance based on currently available evidence and recommendations made by other respected scientific bodies.
Can individuals planning or trying to conceive be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Individuals planning or trying to conceive should not be excluded from the COVID-19 vaccination programs that are available in their jurisdiction.
There is no evidence suggesting that the vaccination could negatively affect fertility either in women or men. Furthermore, according to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG): “There is no evidence that women who become pregnant after receiving the vaccine are at increased risk of teratogenicity, miscarriage or maternal illness. Pregnancy need not be delayed after receiving the vaccine”.
For individuals undergoing medically assisted reproduction, it is recommended that the exact timing of their vaccination should be discussed with their treating specialist.
Can pregnant individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19?
The FSANZ supports the RANZCOG recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as the joint statement between RANZCOG and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. These recommend “...that pregnant women are routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Comirnaty) at any stage of pregnancy”.
This also aligns with advice from the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
Talking to patients who are pursuing a pregnancy either spontaneously or through medically assisted reproduction
Following is the recently updated advice from RANZCOG, which acknowledges the risk posed to the community, health care workers and patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The College respects the role of governments, health departments and health administrators in coordinating
a national response in Australia and New Zealand.
The purpose of this communiqué is to provide updated advice on the issue of vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those planning pregnancy in Australia, in line with updated advice from The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
Key points
• pregnant women are a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination, and should be routinely offered the Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) or Spikevax (Moderna) atany stage of pregnancy. Pfizer (Comirnaty) and Spikevax (Moderna) are mRNA vaccines;
• women who are trying to become pregnant do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination;
• there is no evidence of increased risk of miscarriage or teratogenic risk with mRNA or viral vector vaccines;
• global evidence has shown that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe for pregnant women;
• pregnant women have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19;
• their babies also have a higher risk of being born prematurely;
• COVID-19 vaccination may provide indirect protection to babies by transferring antibodies through the placenta (for pregnant women) or through breast milk (for breastfeeding women); and
• all health care workers, including midwives and doctors, are encouraged to be vaccinated to protect themselves, pregnant women, and their babies. The vaccine does not cause “shedding” and vaccinated people are far less likely to transmit COVID.
What are the current recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women?
Pregnant women are a priority group for COVID-1 vaccination and should be routinely offered Pfizer mRNA vaccine (Comirnaty) or Spikevax (Moderna) at any stage of pregnancy.