New Delhi: A large study from Sweden has found no evidence that Covid-19 vaccines affected women’s fertility, offering fresh reassurance amid years of online claims linking vaccination to reduced chances of pregnancy. Since the early days of the pandemic, rumours — largely fuelled by social media — have repeatedly suggested that Covid shots could interfere with conception or lead to pregnancy loss.
The concerns gained traction when some countries reported a temporary dip in births during later phases of the pandemic, including Sweden, prompting questions about whether vaccines introduced during that period played any role. Researchers at Linköping University set out to examine the issue using real-world health data. Their findings, published in Communications Medicine, indicate that vaccination was not linked to lower childbirth rates or higher miscarriage rates.
“Our conclusion is that it’s highly unlikely that the mRNA vaccine against Covid-19 was behind the decrease in childbirth during the pandemic,” said Prof Toomas Timpka, professor of social medicine at Linköping University.
The study analysed health records from nearly 60,000 women aged 18 to 45 in Sweden. Around 75 per cent of the women had received at least one Covid vaccine dose between 2021 and 2024. Researchers used national healthcare data to track vaccination status alongside key outcomes, including childbirths, registered miscarriages, and deaths.
When the numbers were compared, the researchers found no statistically meaningful difference between women who were vaccinated and those who were not. Childbirth rates remained similar across both groups. Miscarriage rates—based on miscarriages recorded in the healthcare system among women who became pregnant—also showed no significant difference.
Researchers note that the study was focused on pregnancy and conception in the general population. A key point is that it highlights that earlier research on Covid vaccines and fertility was conducted among couples who were on fertility treatment, which is not always indicative of broader population trends.
The team also considered other factors that could influence pregnancy rates, such as underlying health conditions and age, to avoid incorrect conclusions. Experts have repeatedly warned that Covid infection poses risks to a pregnancy and may lead to complications. Its vaccine, however, can substantially reduce the risk of severe health problems.
“Present scientific evidence is clear that the protection against severe disease a Covid-19 shot provides clearly outweighs possible risks,” Prof. Timpka said.
He added that women planning to start a family should feel confident in getting vaccinated, without fearing it will affect their fertility.