Covid-19 Vaccine Is Safe Before, On And After The Periods: Gynaecologists
Manasi Saraf Joshi
Pune, 24th April 2021: After the Government of India announced that the Covid-19 vaccine will be given to all above the age of 18 years, messages on social media started making rounds cautioning the women not to vaccinate themselves if they are menstruating.
A message on WhatsApp led to the rumour that the vaccine is not safe for women for five days before and after having their periods. The vaccine compromises immunity and thus taking the jab during menstruation will lead to an attack.
World over the doctors, medical practitioners are trying to appease the myth surrounding the vaccine and menstrual cycle. An article published in the New York Times which was written by Alice Luculligan and Dr Randi Hutter Epstein at Yale School of Medicine said that there is no connection between the vaccine and the menstrual cycle.
Let’s see what the Gynaecologists say?
Rubbishing the rumour Gynaecologist Dr Anil Gugale said, “according to the guidelines issued by American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist there is no reason for not taking the vaccination during or before and after menstruation.
Further, he said, “During menstruation the body naturally detoxes. Thus, there is no issue in taking the jab. All that is said is not right”.
Dr Vaishali Lodha said, “There is no evidence that it affects immunity. That is all rubbish. There are no guidelines either pointing to anomalies. Several women face various problems during the period, some have heavy bleeding, others have cramps while a few might feel nauseating”.
“If you have any such symptoms which are very prominent and heavy, then you can postpone it, but it has no link with the immunity or threat to life”, she makes it clear.
Another medical practitioner said, “there is no guideline and no evidence that it affects the menstrual cycle. Take your decision wisely. Use your common sense and choose the date for vaccination as per your comfort.
What the Twitterati say?
Doctor Munjaal Kapadia through his tweet educates that taking the jab has no effect on the vaccine efficacy. He says, “Your period has no effect on the vaccine efficacy. Take it as soon as you can. Spread the word, please”.
A medical professional through her tweet said, “ I received both the doses when I had my periods. I tested positive despite it since I work in hospitals, within a week I recovered without any side effects. Thanks to Vaccine. Please get vaccinated”.
Another Twitterati Jennifer Gunter said, “The Covid-19 vaccine is a vaccine, not a spell. It can’t affect the menstrual cycle or fertility by Proxy”.
What care should women take after the vaccination?
1) Do not exert yourself?
2) Take adequate rest
3) No fasting
4) Keep yourself properly hydrated. Increase the intake of liquids
5) Have wholesome food
6) Stay positive