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5 questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, pregnancy and assisted reproductive treatments
Since last December, the COVID-19 vaccine has been a reality in Spain. Currently, mRNA-type vaccines are being supplied in our country, created by the Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna laboratories. These types of vaccines consist in that, when the doses are administered, the mRNA material helps to create proteins common to the virus. Thanks to this, antibodies are developed in humoral immunity that would defend us from the virus the moment it comes into contact with our body. Next, we give you the keys on the administration of the vaccine against COVID-19 in pregnant women or in women who wish to have a child.
What are the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on pregnant women?
Since this virus is new, the vaccine is new. Therefore, it has not yet been tested in pregnant women during the approval study phases. But, in the case of mRNA-type vaccines, as they do not contain viral vectors, it is understood that there is no risk that this vaccine by itself implies a negative effect on the embryo. Therefore, the reason that its use is not recommended in pregnant women is solely and exclusively because there is still no experience with this population group. On the other hand, it must be added that so far there is no published data on a teratogenic effect of the virus in patients infected with COVID-19 during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Should the COVID-19 vaccine be given to pregnant women?
The Ministry of Health recommends postponing the administration of the vaccine in pregnant women until the end of pregnancy. The reason is that there is not enough evidence, although the Ministry also states that there are no indications of safety problems related to vaccination against the coronavirus in pregnant women. In addition, they include individual immunization exceptions for women at high risk of exposure or complications.
What does IVI recommend about the vaccine?
“In case a woman wants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before or during pregnancy, from IVI we recommend that types of vaccines that contain attenuated viruses are not administered. Furthermore, we advise you to always speak with the specialist who carries your pregnancy, to assess the benefits or contraindications of vaccination in your specific case, ”explains Antonio Requena, IVI’s medical director.
Furthermore, the official vaccination schedule against COVID-19 is not defined for women of childbearing age. So that there is no reason to justify delaying the pregnancy desire or initiation of fertility testing or treatment, including gamete donations.
What do gynecological entities say about vaccination in pregnant women?
For its part, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has ruled on the use of mRNA-type vaccines in pregnant women. Certifies that animal studies have not shown negative effects on pregnancy. However, the data on how to use these types of vaccines is limited.
On the other hand, the American Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Maternal Fetal Society, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that the administration of the vaccine not be restricted in women who are planning pregnancy, in those who are already pregnant or in lactating women.
Based on all this, we remind you and recommend that the decision whether or not to vaccinate against COVID-19 during pregnancy should be made in a conscientious way, balancing between pros and cons.
Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 if I am undergoing assisted reproduction treatment?
For patients who are undergoing fertility treatment, regarding the administration of mRNA-type vaccines against coronavirus, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) advises that they should be advised by a specialist.
“The beginning of a treatment is the ideal time to do preventive medicine. In addition, it must be taken into account that vaccination is carried out based on an official calendar. For this reason, from IVI we advise that the administration of mRNA-type vaccines be carried out before starting treatment. Then, you just have to take into account that two weeks will have to pass after the second dose to be able to start the treatment – insemination or embryo transfer. If a woman receives vaccination immersed in fertility treatment, we recommend that she be vaccinated, since it is possible to continue the development of the cycle ”, concludes Dr. Requena.
