Washington, D.C. – Despite overwhelming evidence of safety, misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines continues to circulate, particularly concerning pregnancy, and is impacting vaccination rates. A new body of research reveals that fears—often spread via social media—about infertility, miscarriage, and other adverse outcomes are largely unfounded, yet persist, creating a public health challenge.
The Lingering Shadow of Vaccine Misinformation
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False claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to reproductive harm are proving remarkably resilient, even as data consistently demonstrates their safety during pregnancy.
- Studies involving hundreds of thousands of pregnancies show no increased risk of miscarriage or adverse birth outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination.
- Misinformation often centers on debunked theories about placental proteins and immune responses, amplified through social media platforms.
- Vaccination during pregnancy is recommended by leading health organizations to protect both the mother and the newborn.
- Recent data suggests a possible link between COVID-19 infection and increased risk of early pregnancy loss, further emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
- Efforts to combat misinformation, such as targeted audio dramas, show promise in increasing vaccine confidence.
The question of whether COVID-19 vaccines impact fertility or pregnancy has been a major source of anxiety since the vaccines became available. The answer, based on a growing number of studies, is a resounding no. In fact, the data suggest the opposite: vaccination offers crucial protection.
What the Data Shows: Safety in Numbers
A systematic review published in Medical Principles and Practice (2024) examined social media misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, highlighting the widespread dissemination of false claims. These claims, often lacking scientific basis, fueled vaccine hesitancy among pregnant individuals. However, multiple large-scale studies paint a different picture.
Research published in JAMA (2022) directly addressed concerns about infertility, finding no evidence to support a link between COVID-19 vaccination and decreased fertility in either men or women. Further bolstering these findings, a study in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2024) analyzed outcomes for over 175,000 pregnancies following antenatal COVID-19 vaccination and found no increased risk of obstetric complications or adverse birth outcomes. Similarly, a JAMA study (2024) examining neonatal outcomes after maternal vaccination revealed no safety signals.
Did you know? A comprehensive meta-analysis, published in BMJ Global Health (2024), confirmed the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy, with no increased risk of maternal or perinatal complications.
Beyond Safety: The Risks of Infection
While vaccine safety is paramount, emerging research highlights the dangers of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. A study from Victoria, Australia, published in Women Birth (2025), linked suboptimal care during the pandemic—potentially exacerbated by overwhelmed healthcare systems—to increased stillbirth rates. Furthermore, research from Southeast Texas (BMC Medicine, 2025) suggests that prior COVID-19 infection may be associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss.
These findings underscore a critical point: the risks associated with contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy appear to outweigh any potential risks from vaccination. Data from the Czech Republic (International Journal of Risk & Safety Medicine, 2025) indicated no difference in successful conception rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, while a separate analysis noted a decline in birth rates during the pandemic, potentially linked to a combination of factors including policy interventions, vaccination programs, and economic uncertainty (Human Reproduction Open, 2024).
Addressing Misinformation: A Multi-pronged Approach
Combating misinformation requires a multifaceted strategy. Researchers are exploring innovative approaches, such as targeted audio dramas, to debunk false claims and build vaccine confidence. A randomized controlled trial in Ghana (Scientific Reports, 2025) demonstrated the effectiveness of an audio drama in addressing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation.
However, the persistence of false narratives, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, remains a challenge. Statements made by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggesting COVID-19 vaccines are unsafe for pregnant women and healthy children (CIDRAP News, May 27, 2025), continue to circulate and contribute to vaccine hesitancy.
Understanding Underlying Risks
It’s important to acknowledge that pregnancy itself carries inherent risks. A prospective register-based study published in BMJ (2019) highlighted the role of maternal age and pregnancy history in the risk of miscarriage, factors that are often conflated with vaccine-related concerns. Understanding these baseline risks is crucial for informed decision-making.
Hesitancy about vaccination is often rooted in underlying beliefs and concerns, as explored in a cross-sectional study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (2022), which utilized the health belief model to understand vaccine attitudes among pregnant women.
The ongoing need for robust data infrastructure to support clinical research was recently emphasized by researchers in JAMA (2024), highlighting the importance of modernizing data systems to quickly and accurately assess vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Ultimately, the evidence is clear: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective during pregnancy, offering crucial protection for both mother and child. Addressing the persistent misinformation requires continued efforts to disseminate accurate information and build trust in scientific evidence.
