In this digital era, rumors spread very easily than truth and the covid vaccine is not an exception in this. Before the vaccination for COVID-19 started in India, there were panic and many rumors spreading on social media and the most common myth is that the covid vaccine causes infertility.
This rumor caused much panic among the people. But Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union health minister of India cleared that no need to panic and don’t believe misinformation spreading on social media as there is no scientific evidence that suggests that the covid vaccine can cause infertility to men or women.
Misinformation on social media posts states that our body has a protein similar to the protein in the vaccine. The protein present in the vaccine attacks the placenta which is the main organ supplying blood and nutrition to the growing fetus.
But scientists are clear on this matter that the protein present in the body resembling the protein of the vaccine doesn’t mean it is a danger to fertility. Lucy Chappel who is a professor of obstetrics at King’s College London also giving an understanding regarding the fact that there is no biological mechanism that the vaccine can cause infertility.
But the main thing is that how and why this misinformation started to spread?
Actually, UK Government in their guidance circular stated that it is not clear or unknown about the impact of the Pfizer vaccine on fertility. This information was misunderstood by the public and spread a rumor that the vaccine causes infertility. Later on, the government clarified that the vaccine doesn’t indicate any harmful effects on animal studies.
This happens many times that scientists explain something differently and people understood it differently. When scientist explains that the vaccine effect on fertility is not known, that means there are no long-term evidence or study about the specific effect of the vaccine. And this also doesn’t mean that they don’t have relevant data to know if the vaccine has any side effect on fertility at all.
We have many studies regarding existing vaccines like flu that it is harmless and safe and also advised even during pregnancy.
Also read: 6 Vaccines every women need
Rumors and myths about the vaccine are not new and it will not end in the future also. The important thing is that we should collect correct information from reliable and official sources.
Such a misunderstanding also created by doctor Andrew Wakefield in United Kingdom during 1998 in a study stating that autism is triggered by the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine). The study was published in The Lancet. But later on, The Lancet retracted the study in 2010 and the medical council of the UK permanently canceled the medical license of Wakefield. In 2014 it is also confirmed by the American Medical Association that there is no connection between autism and MMR vaccine by study of thousands of vaccinated and non-vaccinated children.
So this article is to educate the people that don’t believe myths and rumors available on social media. Only have information from official and reliable sources. Follow the guideline of your country. Any vaccines are available to people after many testing about its safety and then after it is approved by scientists and government. If you have any doubt and need more information please consult your doctor before taking any action.