To describe the last year as confusing would be an understatement. There have been so many different — and contradictory — pieces of information about the COVID-19 pandemic that it’s hard to separate them from the facts. This is true in every aspect of our lives, from how we work to how we socialize and interact with family, but its effect on fertility medicine has been incredibly disruptive for people trying to make the right choices as they work to grow their families.
One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out whether or not people who are trying to conceive, or who are already pregnant, should get vaccinated. The efficacy of vaccines is not in dispute, but there are a multitude of opinions on whether or not it is safe for everyone to get inoculated. Throughout the pandemic, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has issued regular recommendations and guidelines related to fertility and the coronavirus. These are carefully thought out and written by some of the leading experts in the reproductive endocrinology field. In a world of questionable sources and opinions masquerading as facts, it is incredibly important to have a trusted, expert voice on this important topic.
The good news is that the ASRM reiterated last week that it “continues to support vaccination with currently available vaccines for all individuals, including women who are either pregnant or contemplating conception.” This is something that people should take seriously. Simply put, the potential risks of contracting COVID far outweigh the remote likelihood of problems caused by vaccination.
That doesn’t mean that we can stop being vigilant. Even though the end of the pandemic is in sight, we’re not out of the woods yet. Social distancing is still the safest and most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus. Handwashing, masks, and other protective measures are still strongly recommended, even in areas where mandatory restrictions are relaxing. We are still in the middle of a global pandemic, and people trying to conceive are at risk. A mix of common sense and vigilance is still the best way to stay safe.
