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http://dx.doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2022.05225

Effects and safety of COVID-19 vaccination on assisted reproductive technology and pregnancy: A comprehensive review and joint statements of the KSRM, the KSRI, and the KOSAR  

Han, Ae Ra (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center, CHA University School of Medicine)
Lee, Dayong (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University)
Kim, Seul Ki (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
Choo, Chang Woo (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul Maria Fertility Hospital)
Park, Joon Cheol (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Lee, Jung Ryeol (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
Choi, Won Jun (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
Jun, Jin Hyun (Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University)
Rhee, Jeong Ho (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keimyung University School of Medicine)
Kim, Seok Hyun (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine)
Korean Society for Reproductive Medicine (KSRM), (Korean Society for Reproductive Medicine (KSRM))
Korean Society for Reproductive Immunology (KSRI), (Korean Society for Reproductive Immunology (KSRI))
Korean Society for Assisted Reproduction (KOSAR), (Korean Society for Assisted Reproduction (KOSAR))
Publication Information
Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine / v.49, no.1, 2022 , pp. 2-8 More about this Journal
Abstract
Humanity is in the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and vaccines-including mRNA vaccines-have been developed at an unprecedented speed. It is necessary to develop guidelines for vaccination for people undergoing treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART) and for pregnancy-related situations based on the extant laboratory and clinical data. COVID-19 vaccines do not appear to adversely affect gametes, embryos, or implantation; therefore, active vaccination is recommended for women or men who are preparing for ART. The use of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) for the treatment of immune-related infertility is unlikely to impact the effectiveness of the vaccines, so COVID-19 vaccines can be administered around ART cycles in which IVIG is scheduled. Pregnant women have been proven to be at risk of severe maternal and neonatal complications from COVID-19. It does not appear that COVID-19 vaccines harm pregnant women or fetuses; instead, they have been observed to deliver antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) to the fetus. Accordingly, it is recommended that pregnant women receive COVID-19 vaccination. There is no rationale for adverse effects, or clinical cases of adverse reactions, in mothers or neonates after COVID-19 vaccination in lactating women. Instead, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 can be delivered through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should consider vaccination. In summary, active administration of COVID-19 vaccines will help ensure the safe implementation of ART, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Keywords
Assisted reproductive technology; COVID-19; Lactation; Pregnancy; Vaccination;
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