A WhatsApp message has gone viral asking women not to take the COVID-19 vaccine 5 days before and after their menstrual cycle. It claims that during this time, a woman’s immunity is very low.
“Dosage of vaccine first decreases immunity, later it builds immunity, so there is a high risk of attack for one who vaccinated during periods,” the message reads.
However, leading gynaecologists and experts have completely rubbished the ‘theory’.
The PIB fact check handle has also warned not to believe this rumour and asked all above 18 to register for the vaccine.
Dr Munjaal Kapadia, gynaecologist at Namaha Hospital, told The Quint that periods do not have any impact on the immunity of a person and asked women to take the vaccine at the earliest. Many other doctors echoed that view on Twitter.
A lot of patients messaging me asking if it’s safe/ effective to take the vaccine during their period. Some silly WhatsApp rumour has spooked everyone.
Your period has no effect on the vaccine efficacy.
Take it as soon as you can.
Spread the word, please.
— Dr. Munjaal V. Kapadia (@ScissorTongue) April 24, 2021
Dr Jocob T John, former head of ICMR, also clarified that vaccines do not reduce the immunity of the body.
Dr Tanaya Narendra, who runs a sexual health channel on social media, debunked these myths.
Nope, this is extremely untrue. It’s safe to take the vaccine on your period. A) Your immunity is not low on your period. B)The vaccine does not lower your immunity, it BUILDS your immunity. Please get the vaccine asap, and ignore these fake claims! #VaccinesSaveLives
— Dr. Tanayabadabadooo wash your hands ??? (@DrCuterus) April 24, 2021
