COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy linked to increased internet search queries for side effects on fertility potential in the initial rollout phase following Emergency Use Authorization

Abstract

The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the COVID‐19 vaccine on December 11, 2020 has been met with hesitancy for uptake with some citing potential impacts on future fertility. We hypothesised that irrespective of sex, fertility‐related queries would markedly increase during the 48 days following EUA of the coronavirus vaccine. We sought to objectively identify trends in internet search queries on public concerns regarding COVID‐19 vaccine side effects on fertility that might impact vaccine uptake. We used Google Trends to investigate queries in Google's Search Engine relating to the coronavirus vaccine and fertility between 10/24/2020 and 1/27/2021. The five most queried terms were identified as: ‘COVID Vaccine Fertility’, ‘COVID Vaccine and Infertility’, ‘COVID Vaccine Infertility’, ‘COVID Vaccine Fertility CDC’, and ‘COVID 19 Vaccine Infertility’ with an increase of 710.47%, 207.56%, 264.35%, 2,943.7%, and 529.26%, respectively, all p < .001. This study indicates that there was an increase in online COVID‐19 vaccine‐related queries regarding fertility side effects coinciding with the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on December 11, 2020. Our results objectively evidence the increased concern regarding the vaccine and likely demonstrate a major cause for hesitancy in vaccine uptake. Future studies and counselling with patients should be undertaken to help mitigate these concerns.

The BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine does not impair sperm parameters

“…Nevertheless, the vaccination pace in many countries is slower than expected, partially due to public fear of possible adverse effects and the potentially negative long-term effect of the vaccine (Lo Re et al, 2021). Despite no evidence of a negative effect on male or female fertility, as stressed by the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists and the British Fertility Society (Web-1;Iacobucci, 2021), many people are still hesitant to receive the vaccine due to fertility concerns (Diaz et al, 2021). Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine on sperm parameters among men, including men with fertility issues and impaired initial sperm parameters; We hypothesized that the vaccine would not affect sperm quality.…”

Practice-changing publications: Male infertility

“…6 Recent reports show that fear regarding side effects, in particular regarding fertility implications, are driving these concerns. 8,9 This is fueled, in part, by high-profile individuals raising unfounded fears regarding the vaccine's safety with respect to fertility. 10 Our group in Miami published the first prospective study on the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on sperm parameters.…”

Is the Immunization of Pregnant Women against COVID-19 Justified?

“…Recently, an increased concern regarding COVID-19 vaccine and fertility has been reported as major cause for hesitancy in vaccine uptake [ 103 ]. Although no study has demonstrated an impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination on ovarian function [ 104 ] or on sperm parameters [ 105 ], counselling with patients should be undertaken to help mitigate these concerns.…”