GUWAHATI: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has clarified that none of the available COVID19 vaccines in use affect fertility in men and women. The MoHFW provided this clarification after media reports started raising concerns about infertility due to COVID-19 vaccination.
The MoHFW took note of the media reports of superstitions and myths that are circulating among a section of healthcare workers and frontline workers including nurses about the side effects of COVID19 vaccines.
The ministry has confirmed that all vaccines and their constituents are tested first on animals and later on humans to assess if they have any such side effects. Vaccines are authorized for use only after their safety and efficacy is assured.
The clarifications were posted on the FAQs section on its website: (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/FAQsforHCWs&FLWs.pdf)
Furthermore, in order to curb the prevalent myth regarding infertility due to COVID 19 vaccination, the Government of India has clarified (https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/1396805590442119175) that there are no scientific evidences suggesting COVID-19 vaccination can cause infertility in men and women. The vaccines have been found to be safe and effective.
Also, the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) has recommended the COVID-19 vaccination for all lactating women, terming it as safe with no need to stop or pause breastfeeding before or after the vaccination (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1719925).
