A massively viral image on social media cautions women above 18 years of age to not take coronavirus vaccine five days before and after their menstrual cycle as it can “affect immunity” of a person. Debunking myths and quashing rumours, experts including medical practitioners are trying to alleviate concerns that covid 19 vaccines are affecting menstrual cycles and fertility after some people shared their experiences of heavier, painful or delayed periods after taking the jab.
The viral message reads, “Dosage of vaccine first decreases immunity, later it builds immunity, so there is a high risk of attack for one who vaccinated during periods.”
However, several gynaecologists not only rubbish the viral claim but added, “There is no problem if a woman takes vaccine during, after and before periods unless she is planning for a baby. Don’t withhold your vaccination because of this.”
Alice Lu-Culligan and Dr Randi Hutter Epstein at Yale School of Medicine wrote in the New York Times, “So far, there’s no data linking the vaccines to changes in menstruation,” “Even if there is a connection, one unusual period is no cause for alarm,” they said.
Dr Munjaal Kapadia, gynaecologist at Namaha Hospital said, “Firstly, periods do not have any impact on the immunity of a person. You can take the vaccine even during your periods. Periods have no effect on the vaccine. One should take the vaccine at the earliest. You are not supposed to delay your vaccine just because you are on your periods.”
Dr Suvarna Rai, consultant gynaecologist at SLG Hospitals called it a myth.
Dr Anjila Aneja, gynaecologist at Fortis La-Femme, too reiterated this and added, “There is no problem if a woman takes vaccine during, after and before periods unless she is planning for a baby. Don’t withhold your vaccination because of this.”
Dr Jacob T John, former head of ICMR’s Centre for Advanced Research in Virology earlier said that claim is absolutely wrong. He added, “Several research reports have revealed that a vaccine is not completely effective, but it reduces the chances of infection in the body, and if the person is not infected, then the risk of COVID-19 is also reduced. The claim that the immunity of the body decreases after taking the first dose of the vaccine is absolutely wrong.”
Another medical staff, wrote about receiving both the shots while on her period.
“I got both my doses when I had my periods. I got covid later on because I work in a hospital but recovered without side effects within a week all thanks the vaccine. Please get vaccinated. There will be very mild side-effects but it will save your life,” she mentioned.
Thus, there is no solid evidence to the claim that if a woman takes coronavirus vaccine during or close to her menstrual cycle, it can pose a risk to her.
