What Fertility Patients Should Know About COVID Vaccines

In recent years, new COVID-19 variants have emerged, and with them, renewed concern about how the virus and its vaccines might affect fertility. It’s no surprise that many searching for “Does the COVID vaccine cause infertility” or “Does the COVID vaccine affect future pregnancy” worry deeply about potential risks—especially when their reproductive plans or surrogacy journeys are at stake. The truth, however, is that current science shows no credible evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility or impairs future pregnancy.

Debunking Myths: Does the COVID Vaccine Cause Infertility?

Why the myth persists

The claim that the COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility is a persistent myth—but one that has been repeatedly disproven by rigorous research. Some of the confusion arises from missing data early in the pandemic, particularly because pregnant people were often excluded from initial vaccine trials. This gap left room for speculation and misinformation to gain traction.

Many people fear that vaccination could interfere with reproductive organs, egg or sperm quality, or embryo development. But to date, no scientific evidence supports that claim.

What the data actually shows

• A systematic review and meta-analysis examined fertility outcomes in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals and found no significant differences in pregnancy rates, ovarian hormone levels, or sperm parameters.  
• In IVF settings, a study at Mount Sinai (Icahn School of Medicine) found that women who had been vaccinated experienced no negative impact on egg quality, embryo development, or clinical pregnancy rates.  
• The CDC states clearly: “There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems (problems trying to get pregnant) in women or men.”  
• Male fertility studies likewise show no decline in semen volume, concentration, or motility after vaccination—and in some studies, small improvements, though these may simply reflect normal variation rather than actual benefit.  
• Regulatory agencies such as Swiss medic have also reviewed surveillance data and concluded that there is no indication that mRNA vaccines impair human fertility.  
• Research on different vaccine types (mRNA, inactivated, adenovirus vector) likewise fails to demonstrate a meaningful negative impact on fertility or IVF outcomes.  

 In short: can the COVID vaccine cause infertility? The weight of evidence says: No.

Risks of Opting Out: Why Fertility-Seeking Individuals Should Weigh COVID-19 Infection Risks

When people worry about “does the COVID vaccine affect future pregnancy,” they often overlook the risks that the virus itself poses, especially during pregnancy or fertility treatment.

• Pregnant individuals with COVID-19 face higher rates of severe illness, hospitalization, ICU admission, and ventilation compared to non-pregnant peers.  
• Infection during pregnancy increases the risk of complications including preterm birth, stillbirth, and adverse neonatal outcomes.  
• For fertility patients, contracting COVID-19 mid-cycle or during embryo transfer could lead to canceled cycles, delays in treatment, additional costs, or altered protocols.
• In men, COVID-19 infection may temporarily impair sperm parameters for weeks to months. While fever or systemic illness often underlies transient sperm declines, this adds further risk that individuals often don’t account for.

When comparing the known risks of infection to the absence of evidence that COVID vaccination causes infertility, many experts conclude that vaccination is the safer choice—especially for those pursuing pregnancy or surrogacy.

What Professional Organizations Recommend

To answer “does the COVID vaccine cause infertility?” or “does the COVID vaccine affect future pregnancy?” thoroughly, it’s essential to look at guidance from top medical groups. Across the board, they continue to support vaccination in individuals seeking pregnancy, surrogacy, or egg donation.

• CDC: Recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, including those who are pregnant, trying to conceive now, or might conceive in the future. Vaccines are not associated with fertility problems.  
• ACOG (American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists): Affirms that vaccines are safe during pregnancy and that no evidence links them to infertility. They also emphasize that vaccination provides antibody protection to infants.  
• ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine): In its practice guidance for fertility patients, recommends clinicians review immunization status and supports COVID vaccination for individuals planning pregnancy.  

In essence: there is broad consensus that vaccination is safe, does not impair fertility, and provides important protection against COVID-19.

Common Questions for Surrogates, Egg Donors & Intended Parents

How long after vaccination should someone wait before starting fertility treatments?
Most guidelines do not mandate a waiting period after COVID-19 vaccination before beginning fertility treatments, embryo transfer, or surrogacy cycles.
Some small observational studies (especially involving inactivated vaccines) have explored timing intervals (e.g. 61 days) to avoid immunologic interference, but these findings are preliminary and not universally accepted. 
If your clinic has specific protocols or preferences, it’s reasonable to ask your fertility specialist whether they recommend waiting — often they won’t require a delay.

Should intended parents require surrogates or egg donors to be vaccinated?
Requiring vaccination can reduce the risk of COVID-19 complications during pregnancy, but it must be approached gracefully and in line with current medical guidance. Rather than a strict mandate, many programs encourage open dialogue, shared decision-making, and reliance on expert recommendations.
From a medical standpoint, the vaccine offers a layer of protection without known fertility downsides, so many in reproductive medicine consider it a best practice.

Are IVF or fertility treatment outcomes different in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated patients?
No consistent differences have been observed in clinical pregnancy rates, live birth rates, oocyte quality, embryo development, or hormonal markers between vaccinated and unvaccinated fertility patients. 

What if a surrogate or donor gets COVID-19 during pregnancy or treatment?
COVID-19 during pregnancy poses measurable risks—especially to maternal health and fetal outcomes. The benefits of vaccination (i.e. reduced severity, hospitalization, complications) often outweigh theoretical concerns about fertility.
Clinics and programs typically have COVID-19 safety protocols (testing, isolation, monitoring) to mitigate these risks.

Practical Tips for Communication and Planning

Have open conversations: If you’re an intended parent, talk with potential surrogates or egg donors about vaccination, using medical evidence rather than coercion.

Ask your fertility clinic:

• What is your policy or recommendation regarding COVID-19 vaccination for surrogates or donors?
• Do you require a waiting period after vaccination before embryo transfer?
• How do you manage COVID-19 exposure or infection during a fertility cycle?

Stay updated on boosters: As new variants arise, booster shots may be recommended. Ensuring all parties are up to date helps maintain safety in pregnancy.
Weigh costs of delay vs. protection: Delaying or canceling cycles due to COVID-19 exposure can be expensive; vaccination may reduce that risk.

Why This Matters for Hatch’s Clients

With over 30 years of experience, Hatch is deeply attuned to the medical, emotional, and logistical concerns of surrogacy, egg donation, and fertility journeys. When questions arise—does the COVID vaccine cause infertility? or does the COVID vaccine affect future pregnancy?—Hatch is prepared to guide you with up-to-date, evidence-based insight.

If you’re navigating surrogacy or donor matching during or after the pandemic, Hatch can support you in:

• Integrating vaccine considerations into screening and protocols.
• Facilitating conversations around vaccination with surrogates and donors
• Consulting with fertility clinics about best practices in a changing landscape.

Final Thoughts

• The available research strongly supports that COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility and do not negatively affect future pregnancy.
• The virus itself poses tangible risks during pregnancy and fertility treatments.
• Experts and major medical organizations continue to recommend vaccination for those planning pregnancy, donors, and surrogates.

If you have questions specific to your surrogacy or egg donation journey—timing with boosters, clinic preferences, or risk assessment—Hatch is here to help you navigate with clarity and confidence.