For 2021, Infertility Awareness week is April 18th through April 24th. The week centers on bringing attention to the challenges and stigmas surrounding living with infertility, as well as family planning. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association is hosting virtual events to celebrate the week, including appearances by guest speakers and fundraisers. To learn more about the event you can visit their website here.

An all too familiar concern in regards to infertility is misinformation. However, some of the sources of that misinformation are new. Most relevant are rumors about a link between the COVID-19 vaccine and infertility, birth defects, or miscarriage. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no link between any of the covid vaccines and infertility, and they pose no risk to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. In fact, some specialists recommend vaccinations for this group, as they are high risk and there is some evidence of immunity being transferred from mom to baby. 

This rumored connection between the covid vaccine and infertility appears to have been started by a small group of anti-vaxxers in the United Kingdom, who sent falsified information to the European Medicines Agency (equivalent to the FDA), which was then shared by a non-reputable new source centered in the UK.  

Fortunately, these rumors were swiftly debunked by a variety of reputable organizations and universities, and the falsified information has received limited attention. 

Bob Jones Junior Bella Caballero was asked about her concerns with the COVID-19 vaccine and stated, “I think everyone is afraid of the unknown. Since it is such a new vaccine, I am definitely concerned about what the long-term effects will be. Overall though, I think it’s the best thing we can do at the moment to get everything under control.” 

In some cases, even those aware of the rumored infertility risk are apathetic. Senior Ally Hayes put it quite simply, saying, “Even if it causes infertility, I’m okay with it.”

Many rumors about possible risks regarding the COVID-19 vaccine have been spread, usually with the goal of deterring others from getting vaccinated.

Doing your own research and only trusting reputable organizations can help prevent the spread of misinformation. Wearing your mask and getting vaccinated, though, can prevent the spread of COVID-19.