Impact of Covishield Vaccination on Women
When the Covishield vaccine was introduced to combat COVID-19, many women had questions: Will it affect my fertility? What happens to my periods? Does it interfere with hormones or pregnancy? This article explores how Covishield impacts women’s health based on research, real-world observations, and expert opinions.
What Is Covishield?
Covishield is a version of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. It uses a modified chimpanzee adenovirus to deliver instructions for making spike proteins, triggering an immune response without causing COVID-19.
Immediate Side Effects in Women
Like all vaccines, Covishield may cause some short-term side effects. In women, the most commonly reported are:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Fatigue and body ache
- Injection site pain
These side effects are normal and indicate the immune system is responding. Most symptoms resolve within 2–3 days.
Effect on Menstrual Cycle
One concern raised by many women globally was whether Covishield alters the menstrual cycle. While some women reported irregular periods or heavier bleeding, these changes were generally temporary. Studies from countries like the UK and India concluded:
- Minor disruptions like early or delayed periods may occur due to immune system activity.
- Cycles typically return to normal within one or two months post-vaccination.
- No long-term changes in reproductive health have been linked to the vaccine.
Does Covishield Affect Fertility?
No scientific evidence shows that Covishield affects fertility. The World Health Organization (WHO), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and other global health bodies have made it clear:
- Vaccines like Covishield do not interact with reproductive organs or DNA.
- There is no biological mechanism by which the vaccine would cause infertility.
Women planning pregnancies, undergoing fertility treatments, or breastfeeding can safely take Covishield, as confirmed by multiple medical bodies.
Pregnancy and Covishield
Initially, pregnant women were not advised to take Covishield due to limited data. Now, with more research and global experience, guidelines have changed:
- Pregnant women can receive Covishield if the benefits outweigh the risks (especially in areas with high COVID-19 spread).
- Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect both mother and baby against severe illness.
It is still essential to consult a doctor before vaccination during pregnancy to assess individual risks.
Breastfeeding and Covishield
Covishield is safe for breastfeeding mothers. Studies show that vaccinated mothers pass antibodies through breast milk, offering potential immunity to infants. No harmful effects have been reported in breastfeeding infants after maternal vaccination.
Covishield and PCOS
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often worry about hormonal side effects. However, Covishield does not impact long-term hormone levels. PCOS symptoms remain unaffected post-vaccination, and no flare-ups or complications have been directly linked to the vaccine.
Rare Side Effects to Watch For
While very rare, Covishield has been associated with a small risk of blood clotting, especially in women under 50. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA):
- Incidence of vaccine-induced thrombosis is about 4 per million doses.
- Symptoms include severe headache, blurred vision, or abdominal pain—seek urgent care if they appear.
Despite this, the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks.
Case Study Example
Shruti, a 32-year-old nurse from Mumbai, received Covishield during the first phase of rollout. She experienced a mild fever and fatigue, along with one delayed menstrual cycle. Everything returned to normal within a month, and she later conceived without any complications.
Expert Opinions
- Dr. Ranjana Sharma (Gynaecologist, Delhi): “Women should not be alarmed by minor cycle changes. The immune response is a sign the vaccine is working.”
- WHO: “No evidence supports claims of fertility issues caused by COVID-19 vaccines, including Covishield.”
FAQs
- Can Covishield delay periods? Yes, temporarily in some cases due to immune response, but cycles normalise soon after.
- Should I avoid Covishield if I’m trying to get pregnant? No. It’s safe and recommended to prevent COVID complications.
- Does Covishield affect egg quality? No scientific basis for this claim exists. Egg quality remains unchanged.
Conclusion
Covishield is safe for women across all stages—menstruating, trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Temporary changes like fatigue or slight menstrual irregularities may occur but are not harmful. With COVID-19 still posing a threat, getting vaccinated is essential for women’s health and safety.
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If you’re unsure about getting vaccinated, consult a trusted healthcare professional. Your health matters, and being informed is the first step to protection.