Thread by @DrLeanaWen

This is a common myth with the #covid19 #vaccine--that it somehow causes female infertility.

I spoke with several experts about how best to address this misconception. 🧵 @postopinion

washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/…

First, let's talk about the origin of this myth. It originated with anti-vaccine advocates who alleged that the spike protein targeted by the vaccine is "disturbingly similar" to a protein found in the placenta.

This claim has no basis in science or reality. /2

As Dr. Paul Offit wrote in a @Hill op-ed, "To say that these two proteins are disturbingly similar would be the equivalent of saying that two people share the same social security number because both contain the number six." /3
thehill.com/opinion/health…

In fact, “getting covid is what causes harm, including preterm birth, stillbirth, being very sick during pregnancy, and, in some cases, even the mom dying," @DrAngieAng told me. "The vaccine helps to protect against that.” /4

.@DrAngieAng also advises patient pre-conception: Getting inoculated is important for women planning to conceive, because “you want to do everything you can to be healthy. The vaccine will build up your immune system to protect you and your future baby.” /5

I also spoke with @drevefeinberg. She tells patients and concerned parents at her children’s school that her 15-year-old and twin 12-year-olds are vaccinated and that she is “not one bit worried” about the infertility claim. Her excellent @STAT piece: /6 statnews.com/2021/03/25/inf…

Bottom line: There is no scientific reason to fear long-term consequences from vaccines, given our decades of experience with many immunizations. Also, while any long-term risk from vaccination is purely hypothetical, the risk from covid-19 is very real and present. /END