- Date : 02/07/2021
- Read: 4 mins
Period myths about the COVID-19 vaccine have scared many women and deterred them from taking the jab. Read on to know what experts have to say.
The recent surge and the ongoing battle with COVID-19 have made it clear that the only way out of this pandemic is to get vaccinated. Vaccinations prevent disease, help people stay safe, and bring herd immunity. However, not many people know how vaccines work and therefore fear them for several reasons. One of the latest myths going around is that it is not safe for women to take the COVID-19 vaccine during their period.
While period myths have always plagued society, this one also causes a direct threat to the security of millions, which is why it is important to know the truth. Read on to know more about the impact of the vaccine during periods.
Period myth 1: Five days before and after the menstrual cycle, the body’s natural immunity drops, making it unsafe for women to take the vaccine.
Truth: Periods do not drop or boost your immune system in any way. The body’s natural immunity is unaffected regardless of whether a woman is on her period or not. So, it is completely safe for a woman to get vaccinated on, before, or after her periods. The only time women should refrain from taking the jab is if they are pregnant, as there are no studies that indicate the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy yet.
Period myth 2: Menstruation limits the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Truth: A woman’s period does not alter the efficacy of the vaccine at all. In fact, there have been several women around the world who have taken the vaccine on their period in the last few months and there is no recorded study of such a claim. So, there is no need for women to pay attention to such myths.
Related: How pregnant women can stay safe while travelling in times of COVID-19?
Period myth 3: The vaccine decreases the body’s natural immune response just like the period, making it a threat for women.
Truth: There have been several studies that reveal that the vaccine is used to increase immunity. There is no evidence to suggest it can lower your immunity in any way, even when combined with periods. The vaccine builds immunity and helps your body to fight infection. The initial reaction of your body that results in a fever or fatigue is absolutely normal and not an indicator of poor immunity.
Period myth 4: The vaccine can lead to infertility.
Truth: This is a common myth that has worried both men and women. But yet again, there is no valid evidence to show that vaccination can result in infertility or low fertility. On the contrary, it can increase the mother’s immunity by forming antibodies in her body. When these antibodies are passed on to the fetus or the child via breastfeeding, it immunises the baby as well. As a result, getting the vaccine can save the future generation too.
Period myth 5: Women get more side effects from the vaccine compared to men.
Truth: While this claim may be true to an extent, there is nothing to worry about. Some women may show more side effects than men but it is the natural response of the body and not a cause of concern. A woman’s hormones may fluctuate and lead to an early period or more severe cramps during the period. However, these are completely natural and tend to go away on their own. So, do not be wary of the vaccine. Instead, be calm and consult a doctor if you experience any such side effects.
Related: How to deal with the overflow of coronavirus news to avoid anxiety
How can you increase the efficacy of the vaccine?
Doctors suggest the following things to improve the efficacy of the vaccine:
- Sleep well before the day of the vaccine. A good night’s sleep of at least 8 hours can boost your immune system.
- Include more immunity-boosting foods in your diet. You can consult a nutritionist for the same.
- Exercise more to improve overall health and wellness. This will ensure good health and offer you peace of mind during these harsh times.
Related: How women entrepreneurs can look at COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity
Last words
Do not pay heed to unverified information on the internet. If you have any doubts about taking the vaccine, consult your doctor and find out more about how vaccines work in our body. Trust only verified sources of information, such as research papers, verified news channels, and medical experts. Keep in mind that it is extremely critical to take the jab at the earliest. So, do not delay getting vaccinated for such unverified reasons.
Talking of myths, read these 8 Bizarre money superstitions many people still believe in.
The recent surge and the ongoing battle with COVID-19 have made it clear that the only way out of this pandemic is to get vaccinated. Vaccinations prevent disease, help people stay safe, and bring herd immunity. However, not many people know how vaccines work and therefore fear them for several reasons. One of the latest myths going around is that it is not safe for women to take the COVID-19 vaccine during their period.
While period myths have always plagued society, this one also causes a direct threat to the security of millions, which is why it is important to know the truth. Read on to know more about the impact of the vaccine during periods.
Period myth 1: Five days before and after the menstrual cycle, the body’s natural immunity drops, making it unsafe for women to take the vaccine.
Truth: Periods do not drop or boost your immune system in any way. The body’s natural immunity is unaffected regardless of whether a woman is on her period or not. So, it is completely safe for a woman to get vaccinated on, before, or after her periods. The only time women should refrain from taking the jab is if they are pregnant, as there are no studies that indicate the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy yet.
Period myth 2: Menstruation limits the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Truth: A woman’s period does not alter the efficacy of the vaccine at all. In fact, there have been several women around the world who have taken the vaccine on their period in the last few months and there is no recorded study of such a claim. So, there is no need for women to pay attention to such myths.
Related: How pregnant women can stay safe while travelling in times of COVID-19?
Period myth 3: The vaccine decreases the body’s natural immune response just like the period, making it a threat for women.
Truth: There have been several studies that reveal that the vaccine is used to increase immunity. There is no evidence to suggest it can lower your immunity in any way, even when combined with periods. The vaccine builds immunity and helps your body to fight infection. The initial reaction of your body that results in a fever or fatigue is absolutely normal and not an indicator of poor immunity.
Period myth 4: The vaccine can lead to infertility.
Truth: This is a common myth that has worried both men and women. But yet again, there is no valid evidence to show that vaccination can result in infertility or low fertility. On the contrary, it can increase the mother’s immunity by forming antibodies in her body. When these antibodies are passed on to the fetus or the child via breastfeeding, it immunises the baby as well. As a result, getting the vaccine can save the future generation too.
Period myth 5: Women get more side effects from the vaccine compared to men.
Truth: While this claim may be true to an extent, there is nothing to worry about. Some women may show more side effects than men but it is the natural response of the body and not a cause of concern. A woman’s hormones may fluctuate and lead to an early period or more severe cramps during the period. However, these are completely natural and tend to go away on their own. So, do not be wary of the vaccine. Instead, be calm and consult a doctor if you experience any such side effects.
Related: How to deal with the overflow of coronavirus news to avoid anxiety
How can you increase the efficacy of the vaccine?
Doctors suggest the following things to improve the efficacy of the vaccine:
- Sleep well before the day of the vaccine. A good night’s sleep of at least 8 hours can boost your immune system.
- Include more immunity-boosting foods in your diet. You can consult a nutritionist for the same.
- Exercise more to improve overall health and wellness. This will ensure good health and offer you peace of mind during these harsh times.
Related: How women entrepreneurs can look at COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity
Last words
Do not pay heed to unverified information on the internet. If you have any doubts about taking the vaccine, consult your doctor and find out more about how vaccines work in our body. Trust only verified sources of information, such as research papers, verified news channels, and medical experts. Keep in mind that it is extremely critical to take the jab at the earliest. So, do not delay getting vaccinated for such unverified reasons.
Talking of myths, read these 8 Bizarre money superstitions many people still believe in.
