The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) says no scientific evidence suggesting COVID-19 vaccination can cause infertility in men or women.

The NPHCDA executive director Faisal Shuaib, on Thursday, explained that the COVID-19 vaccination among populations of reproductive age was safe.

”All available COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy among their respective clinical trial endpoints. Additionally, a growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have symptomatic infection or transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others,” said Mr Shuaib.

He called on obstetrician-gynaecologists and other women’s health care practitioners to lead by example by being vaccinated and encouraging eligible patients to be vaccinated as well.

“We recommend that pregnant individuals and lactating individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19. While a conversation with a clinician may be helpful, it is not a requirement prior to vaccination, as this may cause unnecessary barriers to access,” added Mr Shuaib. “Pregnancy testing is not a requirement to receiving any of the approved COVID-19 vaccine by the World Health Organization(WHO).”

The NPHCDA boss urged obstetrician–gynaecologists to address ongoing questions and concerns and offer subsequent office visits by pregnant and lactating individuals across the country.

“Expected side effects should be explained as part of counselling patients, including that these are a normal part of the body’s reaction to the vaccine and developing antibodies to protect against COVID-19 illness,” he said.

Mr Shuaib explained that COVID-19 vaccines might be administered simultaneously with other vaccines within 14 days of receiving another vaccine.

(NAN)