Vaccination

[TheFoxes]

Hi All. I am starting a round of IVF in about 6 weeks. I was at the clinic yesterday and they informed me that they will covid test me just before egg collection and if I am positive I won’t be able to proceed but will lose my money. I totally understand why this is the case atm. Here is my question - has anyone had a vaccine ahead of IVF, during IVF or whilst pregnant? Did anyone contact their doctor and request a vaccine due to upcoming IVF?

[N-A-58]

Yes I had the vaccine last week and I’m stimming from Saturday 27th Feb.

I have to isolate from day 5 of stims until transfer.

I won’t take the second vaccine if I get pregnant.

[TheFoxes in reply to N-A-58]

Thanks for sharing.

[AndreiaTrigoRN]

I think they are only giving it to people of reproductive age if we are vulnerable or front line workers... maybe you can be as isolated as possible until egg collection to minimise the risk?

[Evi5 in reply to AndreiaTrigoRN]

I'd agree, thats good advice. Plus, I'd be worried as the vaccine is not 100% effective.

[Millbanks]

Hi love, seems odd that they would do your scans and let you do stims but only test you before egg collection. Did they say why at that point specifically? X

[TheFoxes in reply to Millbanks]

Great point. I didn’t actually think of that and ask. I guess I could just have a test at the local walkthrough right before having stims and shield from that point onward. When I had IVF in October they never tested me at any point.

[Millbanks in reply to TheFoxes]

It might be safer financially if they’ll allow that! X

[hifer in reply to TheFoxes]

Hey hun, my clinic require a negative test before you go into theatre (about 5 days prior) so egg collection, transfer etc. They will do all treatment prior to that without a test. Sounds the same as your clinic? X

[Evi5 in reply to Millbanks]

I had the same issue. I was told it was because I'd be in contact with more people on the ward and in the theatre. I found it strange as I had to have one when they said I was ready and then another the day before I went on to the ward. I did wonder what risk it presented as I was worried about it not going ahead.

[Minnie92]

I had the vaccine in January and having a frozen transfer in March but only because I’m a nurse. The vaccine wouldn’t make you immune even if you had it now as you wouldn’t have time for the second dose, but as others have said it does seem odd they are testing you so late on, you could always get a covid test yourself before you’re due to start? As far as I’m aware they can’t keep your money if you haven’t even had any treatment (ie scans bloods etc) xx

[Sparklylife in reply to Minnie92]

You are never immune - Sadly. But 75% cover at that study they did after 1st dose, so better than nothing 😇 Would be higher after 2nd dose, but still not immune.

Our clinic did a covid swab prior to starting stims, then another one at day 9 check up scan. We then had to isolate after that swab until after possible ET we were told. So hopefully you can get a swab prior to start too and just be careful? Best of luck TheFoxes with your upcoming round ☺️🤞

[Minnie92 in reply to Sparklylife]

I didn’t suggest you are 100% immune in my message. The new figures actually show 70% effectiveness after first dose and 85% for the second dose, I’m vaccinating people so I’m keeping up to date with the figures. But thanks for your message.

[Sparklylife in reply to Minnie92]

I understood you got it, but was just to make sure no one thought they can be immune - it just did not specify in your text and could be read as you might be after second dose. So was not a criticism to you 🥰😇

[Emma672]

My clinic test right before egg collection too, on both rounds I’ve been for. I asked why they do it then and they said it’s because egg retrieval is the only time I’ll be in the clinic without a mask on, you can’t wear one for the procedure. Makes sense x

[Sweeneythyca]

The vaccine is not yet proven safe for pregnant women, surely they would not make you take that risk?

[hoping_for_our_time]

I've put treatment on hold until after I've had the vaccine. I don't want to risk catching covid and having treatment cancelled. Unless you're vulnerable you wouldn't be able to ask to jump the queue for the vaccine.

[Nic_o_la_la]

Hey TheFoxes.

Our clinic have said similar in terms of timing (and have to isolate til after transfer), I think it’s about being in theatre. However, the nurse did suggest that I have the Covid test before I start stims and isolate throughout so that we don’t then waste the whole cycle. It feels a long time to isolate but I don’t want to risk finding out half way through.

I have had my first vaccine but that’s because of my job. If you aren’t in one of the higher categories you won’t be able to request it but just have to wait to be called. I don’t get my second dose until we’ve already started treatment so I probably will delay it - if pregnant won’t have it but if treatment doesn’t work then I will x

[Ajl46]

My clinic advised that I should get the vaccine (first dose at least) before starting stimulation if possible. I contacted my GP who agreed to put me on the vaccine list if I got a letter from my IVF clinic explaining why I needed it. I had the first Pfizer dose last week. If my treatment is successful I’ll have the second dose post pregnancy. Best of luck to you.

[Edk0]

I was informed by my clinic that I'd have covid tests before scans and egg collection. If any of them are positive I'd have to wait until a test is negative prior to continuing my NHS round. RE the vaccine, I've been offered one through my job and thought long and hard about having it. Initially I was against it but having read about the different vaccines, how much protection you'll have after the first dose and potential complications of having covid whilst pregnant I decided to have it. However, I won't be having the second dose until I've given birth. This was also advised by a nurse. Ultimately the decision, tough as it is, is yours. Good luck xx

[stephben12]

I work for the NHS and the advice was that if you're pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant then you should not have the vaccine , the clinic I am at said if I choose to have the vaccine that's fine but be prepared that I must postpone for 3 months after the vaccine. So I think it is up to you as I know others have had the vaccine and continued as normal. Xx

[stephben12 in reply to stephben12]

Oh and I also had to have a covid test before egg collection. It is because it is a surgical procedure and anyone in the UK before going for surgery, must have a negative test. That's true for all of my patients I see in theatre etc.

Good luck xxx

[Littlepeax in reply to stephben12]

Exactly what I was told x

[Ivfgotadream]

You won’t be eligible for the vaccine on the basis of IVF treatment

My clinic also had the same policy when it reopened mid lockdown last June. When the firer lockdown started the clinic was very generous about no cancellation fees etc but that was because it was unprecedented. When they reopened however it was very much a case of proceeding at own risk now everyone is aware of the potential implications

[try2020]

Hi do you have any links to these reports?

[Sweeneythyca in reply to try2020]

Lots of information on safety and adverse reactions on gov website, seperate documents on each vaccine type, Pfizer, oxford etc.

[Sweeneythyca in reply to try2020]

gov.uk/government/publicati...

[Wishingfortheday]

Even with a vaccine it wouldn't prevent you from having a positive test I'm afraid (as you can still carry and transmit the virus), though it would prevent you from getting severe symptoms. So it would be a good idea to shield around the time of treatment either way, if at all possible. Good luck with your cycle! Xx

[Hope4another]

This is not accurate information and is scare mongering. Trials are still ongoing for pregnant women, and personally I probably wouldn't take it until they are complete.

[Chrissyp22 in reply to Hope4another]

You have no idea what is and what isn’t accurate information and neither do I but the fact remains, there are many eminent doctors that have genuine concerns re the vaccine in pregnant women

[try2020 in reply to Chrissyp22]

The link you shared Chrissy mentions the concerns around similarities between the spike protein and placental proteins but that issue has been debunked, the mRNA used in the vaccine won't recognise placenta so you shouldn't worry about that. There are however scientific reports of the problems that catching covid itself causes in pregnancy so of course it's important to protect yourself against covid be that shielding or if you are lucky to be offered the vaccine. I think the risks of catching covid are greater than the risks of getting the vaccine. It is concerning the massive variation in what clinics are doing/advising so that doesn't help people's anxiety. I am due to start a cycle in april and if I got offered the vaccine I would take it.

[London_Lady1]

Best to isolate. At least you can now get food deliveries. We isolated for our whole cycle. It sucked but totally worth it. Once you've had egg collection if you did get covid you could freeze all. Not ideal but not wasting eggs. Wishing you lots of luck. Xx

[TheFoxes]

Wow. Lots of really different opinions and experiences here. Thanks to all for sharing. I’ll give my GP a call and have a chat about it. X

[KiboXX]

What a load of absolute bollocks.

Please don’t post such ridiculous, scaremongering articles on a fertility network full of women who are already scared and struggling. So unnecessary.

[KiboXX]

Oh god, please shut up. I have zero time for people who dedicate their time to scaring people out of having vaccinations.

I could sit here and argue all day with you about this but I honestly know it won’t make any difference so I’ll save my breathe and just say this. Please don’t use a fertility forum to scare people about vaccines, it’s just cruel.

[Chrissyp22 in reply to KiboXX]

Totally disrespectful. Sad that you only value your own opinion above anyone else’s

[KiboXX in reply to Chrissyp22]

A quick fact check on snopes shows the article you posted is utter crap and the two people mentioned in it are known to spread false news.

Not being disrespectful, what you’re posting is incredibly toxic and harmful. Particularly on an emotionally charged network such as this one. You’re telling someone that the vaccine is going to make them sterile FFS. Check your facts before you post such awful things.

[Hopeful3210]

I've also had to take covid tests a couple of days before going into the clinic as you're going into a people based environment. My husband and I then had to shield/isolate up until transfer. It is to stop the risk of them having to cancel treatment part way through which would also cause expense due to cancellation (we are privately funded). I was lucky for our transfer to work. I too work for the NHS but haven't had the vaccine. The general thought is, as someone has already mentioned, that it's not necessarily that it will bring about harm, they just haven't done substantial research with pregnant women.

Good luck with your collection and transfer 😊

[KateBrian]

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives have responded to some of the misinformation about the vaccine and fertility - see here - rcog.org.uk/en/news/RCOG-an...

The RCOG also has a lot of information about the vaccine in pregnancy - rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-r...

You may also be interested in our webinar with the HFEA and the British Fertility Society where we covered the vaccine and fertility - you can find it on our webinar page here if you scroll down to the Update on COVID webinar - fertilitynetworkuk.org/how-...

[Hidden]

I have taken the vaccine on jan 15th from work, did not know that ccg is advising not to take vaccine. So the ivf clinic has advised me to wait 2 months so instead of feb i will start treatment end of march now. It is recommended by gov not to get pregnant within 2 months of vaccine, as there is no studies related to the vaccines effect on pregnancy.

[Ell493]

I don't agree with you losing your money if they don't do the procedure. They should just postpone. Maybe paying for more shots but not the surgery part. I would get the vaccine after IVF but before you become pregnant. Unless you plan to implant on the same cycle as your egg retrieval, which I don't recommend. It drops the likelihood of success by about 15%. Good luck!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi everyone. First of all I am getting lots of complaints about different aspects of this post. First of all can we stop cussing and swearing! Plenty of other words to use to vent your anger. Right now, if your treatment cycle stops, for whatever reason before egg collection, you have not completed the cut off for that cycle, so you have not lost that cycle. Some of the women who were in the Covid vaccine trials, got pregnant naturally, and babies are now being born and are fine so far. The same goes for women who caught Covid when pregnant have given birth ok. Of course studies will be done on theses children to check their development, which goes without saying. We were informed that anyone receiving the Covid vaccine, should do so 7 days prior to commencing the cycle or 7 days on completion. Clinics may decide to test you for the virus before egg collection. Hope that clarifies things a little. Please play nicely, and best wishes to you all. Diane

[Issabell]

I had my first dose of my covid vaccine 17th February, my clinic recommended that I will have my injection before starting IVF , I been told by my doctor is better to have it before pregnancy than be sorry if you catch covid during pregnancy... I took the risk.

[Rfletcher]

Hello, I am starting my injection on the 30 March for a FET. I had my vaccine on Saturday. I would say get it in quick. I was told there needed to be at least 4 weeks before the embryo going in.

I’m not going to be able to have my second one though if all is successful. For me it wouldn’t be the right thing to do as there is no evidence that it is ok for the baby and it would be 5 days after the transfer. Xx

[JoyfulStar]

Having read most of the posts, I was struck by the different IVF clinic policies. Some advice not to get the vaccine if in treatment, others say you have to wait 3 months until treatment, mine said it was okay to get it at whatever time even during treatment except when EC is within a few days.

I got the first dose after EC in January and intend to get 2nd dose before my 3rd and final cycle of embryo banking starts. I wanted to avoid having it during stims.

Furthermore, since most recent lockdown, my clinic are testing me and DH twice per IVF/ICSI cycle. Once before starting treatment and again before EC. We both have to get tested before treatment and if DH is not tested before EC, he is not allowed in the theatre! This happened during my last cycle during which I went through the whole process alone while DH waited in reception for me.