Pregnancy, fertility and the COVID-19 vaccine

From Dr. Staci Rogers, Clinical Integration Officer and OB/GYN; and Dr. Daphne LeMon, System Medical Director, Women’s Services: We wanted to share the following information in response to questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine and the issues of pregnancy and fertility.

Fertility and the COVID-19 vaccine: The COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine. The mRNA is broken down quickly after the vaccine is administered. This mRNA does not enter the nucleus of a human cell and, therefore, does not change the genetic material (DNA) within those cells.

There have been some rumors that the antibodies formed against the spike protein as a result of COVID-19 vaccination target a protein in the placenta of pregnant mothers. There is no data to support this. The structure of the spike protein of the virus is different than the proteins found in the placenta.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends vaccination in individuals actively attempting pregnancy or contemplating pregnancy and meet the criteria for vaccination based on current prioritization.

Pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine: Pregnant women are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection including hospitalization, ICU care, mechanical ventilation and death.

This vaccine does not contain a live virus. This is an mRNA vaccine. The mRNA is broken down rapidly after vaccination.

While we do not yet have specific safety data regarding COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women, we also do not have any data showing that vaccination is contraindicated.

Animal studies have not shown any adverse events when the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was given prior to conception or during pregnancy related to female reproduction, fetal/embryonal development, or postnatal development.

Thirty-six pregnant women were included in the original COVID-19 vaccination trials. To date, no adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported in those who received the vaccine.