Scientists have debunked myths circulating on social media that claim vaccines against Covid-19 could cause infertility.
Incorrect claims that the Pfizer vaccine could cause a woman’s body to attack the placenta, leading to infertility, were dismissed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK.
We now have robust data of nearly 200,000 women from across the US and the UK, who have received the Covid-19 vaccine with no safety concerns
Dr Pat O’Brien,
Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
College spokeswoman, Prof Lucy Chappell, an obstetrician at King's College London, said there was “no plausible biological mechanism” by which the vaccine could affect fertility.
“When you get the vaccine you develop an antibody to the spike protein, similar to if you had a Covid-19 infection," Prof Chappell said.
“Those antibodies don’t affect your fertility. There have been myths that the proteins are similar, but lots of proteins are similar.
“It doesn’t mean that the vaccine can impact your fertility.”
Pfizer vaccinations have been made available for women in their 13th week of pregnancy in Dubai since June.
The Dubai Health Authority recommends that expectant mothers consult their doctors before being inoculated.
Other similar vaccines, such as those used to fight flu or whooping cough, have for years been used safely by pregnant women or those trying to start a family.
Such non-live vaccines are proven to be safe.
During clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccines, data showed that the percentage of women who had been vaccinated and then became pregnant was the same as those who received placebos.
Researchers also monitored sperm counts for men who received the vaccines compared with those who did not.
Vaccines safe to take during pregnancy
Social media posts highlighted guidance issued by the UK government in the early stages of the vaccine campaign stating it was unknown if the Pfizer vaccine affected fertility.
The scientific description of “no evidence” was a result of no long-term research to support the vaccine.
That has since been amended in UK government advice, and updated to state that animal studies do not indicate any harmful effects on the reproductive system.
Anecdotal reports worldwide among women support medical statements that vaccines are safe during pregnancy, and for those trying for a baby.
A new £7.5 million ($10.39m) UK government study, led by St George’s, University of London, will investigate and monitor the immune response in pregnant women and their babies to vaccination at different dose intervals.
Dr Pat O’Brien, vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, welcomed the trial, but emphasised that the current evidence shows women should not be concerned.
“We now have robust data of nearly 200,000 women from across the US and the UK, who have received the Covid-19 vaccine with no safety concerns,” he said.
“This tells us that both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are safe in pregnancy.”
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Afcon 2019
SEMI-FINALS
Senegal v Tunisia, 8pm
Algeria v Nigeria, 11pm
Matches are live on BeIN Sports
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: Fenyr SuperSport
Price, base: Dh5.1 million
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm
Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old
- Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old
- Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old
- Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old
- Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
