A post in an online conspiracy community claims that data from the FDA shows a more than 16,000 percent increase in fetal death following COVID-19 vaccination. The post’s claim is a misleading interpretation of VAERS data, which cannot be used to determine if an adverse event, like fetal death, is directly linked to vaccination. Between 10 and 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. The rate is not different for those who were vaccinated while pregnant. Research shows that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of pregnancy complications, birth defects, miscarriages, or stillbirths.
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There is understandable concern over whether COVID-19 vaccines impact fertility or pregnancy. Recent studies, however, show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for both pregnant people and anyone trying to become pregnant in the future. Informational materials may emphasize that COVID-19 poses a risk to pregnant people; people who are infected during pregnancy are at increased risk for severe illness, hospitalization, preterm birth, stillbirth, and other pregnancy complications. Explaining that vaccination is suggested for people who are pregnant and breastfeeding is recommended. In addition, VAERS or other vaccine safety monitoring systems are often used incorrectly, sometimes deliberately in order to spread misinformation and disinformation. VAERS allows anyone to submit reports of vaccine injury or side effects; these claims do not have to be verified. After claims are made, government health experts perform investigations to determine whether reported injuries or side effects were due to vaccines. This is why only official government reports and peer-reviewed scientific studies should be trusted. Emphasizing that these reporting systems contain unverified reports while directing to actual evidence is recommended, as is continuing to explain what mild side effects people can expect after vaccination. Fact-Checking Source(s):
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