A large international study has found no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination reduces fertility or affects childbirth rates, countering widespread claims and misinformation linking vaccines to infertility.

The research, which analysed data from nearly 60,000 women aged 18 to 45 in Sweden, concluded that mRNA COVID vaccines played no role in the decline in births observed during parts of the pandemic.

“It’s highly unlikely that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine caused the decrease in childbirth during the pandemic,” said Toomas Timpka, professor of social medicine at Linköping University, Sweden.

No difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated women

Published in the journal Communications Medicine, the study found no statistically significant difference in childbirth or miscarriage rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated women.

“We see no difference in childbirth rates between those who have taken the vaccine and those who haven’t. We also see no difference in miscarriage rates,” Timpka said.

Of the women studied, 75 per cent had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose between 2021 and 2024. Researchers used comprehensive healthcare records, including data on vaccinations, pregnancies, miscarriages and deaths.

Findings align with previous research

The results are consistent with multiple earlier studies showing no association between COVIDvaccination and reduced fertility. Notably, this research examined conception and pregnancy outcomes in the general population, unlike many previous studies that focused on couples undergoing fertility treatment.

Researchers also adjusted their analysis for factors such as age, underlying medical conditions and non-COVID-related influences on fertility.

Vaccination reduces pregnancy risks from COVID

Several studies have shown that COVID infection poses serious risks during pregnancy, while vaccination significantly reduces the chances of severe illness and complications.

“Scientific evidence clearly shows that the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccination outweighs any potential risks,” Timpka said.

He added, “Women planning to start a family should not hesitate to get vaccinated.”

The findings provide strong reassurance amid ongoing misinformation about COVID vaccines and reproductive health.

IANS