The latest addition to the WhatsApp university curriculum has menstruators being warned against taking the Covid-19 vaccine during periods.
Last week, the government announced that starting from May, the vaccine shall be made available to all legal adults. Soon after, the rumour mill began churning out “reminders” for menstruators, telling them to be wary of taking the vaccine during, as well as 5 days before and after their periods.
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The post went on to claim that menstruators have lowered immunity during periods and that the vaccination decreases it further, thereby causing “a high risk of attack”.
Each of these so-called “warnings” is vague, misleading and inaccurate, and can best be termed as myths and misinformation. There is close to no scientific evidence that connects the vaccines to menstruation. And so far, doctors are of the opinion that one can safely take the Covid-19 vaccine during periods.
Moreover, menstruation has almost no correlation with your immunity levels and won’t interfere with the efficacy of the vaccination. If anything, vaccines have proven to be immunity boosters that can prevent the development of serious complications in patients.
Facts over fiction: Here’s what the experts had to say
Doctors, scientific experts, as well as the Press Information Bureau took to social media to debunk the ridiculous myths associated with the Covid-19 vaccines and menstruation:
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
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Can women take #COVID19 #Vaccine during menstruation?
Menstruation has nothing to do with #Vaccination
Gynaecologists have confirmed Vaccine is safe during menstruation. Share this message with every woman you know
Stop forwarding false claims on social media
– Dr. Salkar pic.twitter.com/fJ05EGKmCr— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 26, 2021
#Fake post circulating on social media claims that women should not take #COVID19Vaccine 5 days before and after their menstrual cycle.
Don't fall for rumours!
All people above 18 should get vaccinated after May 1. Registration starts on April 28 on https://t.co/61Oox5pH7x pic.twitter.com/JMxoxnEFsy
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 24, 2021
The fact of the matter is that irrespective of what the WhatsApp veterans have to say, getting the Covid-19 vaccine during periods is completely safe.
At a time when the country’s caseload is breaking global records, vaccinations seem to be our only saving grace. The circulation of misinformation at such a crucial hour can have disastrous consequences on the already overburdened healthcare infrastructure.
Register for your Covid-19 vaccination here.
Related: Planning To Get Your Covid-19 Jab? These States Are Offering Free Vaccinations Starting May 2021
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