This COVID-19 vaccine myth has been “extremely difficult” to dispel in North Dakota

It’s an unfortunate myth, propelled by widely disseminated misinformation, that has been “extremely difficult to fight,” said state immunization official Molly Howell. A recent National Public Radio report followed the fake story from its birth on social media to its distribution through false and misleading reporting.

Many young women, including students and nurses, voice concerns about fertility when they refuse the jab, Howell said. Several nursing home administrators in facilities with low employee vaccination rates told the Forum News Service last month that workers in “childbearing years” did not trust the vaccine due to possible problems. fertility.

The fable of fertility is so widespread that officials from the North Dakota Department of Health decided to organize a virtual town hall discussion on the subject Wednesday, July 21 with doctors specializing in reproductive health.

The panel of three doctors approved the advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes fertility problems in men or women, and almost all unvaccinated young adults should get vaccinated.

Dr. Christina Broadwell, a Reproductive endocrinology specialist at Sanford Health in Fargo said she understands some residents are nervous about getting the vaccine, but they shouldn’t be concerned about fertility issues. Broadwell said it was difficult to digest all the information and anecdotes about the vaccine, so those unsure of the vaccination should see their doctor for the facts.

Doctors have also recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated. Dr Ana Tobiasz, who practices maternal and fetal medicine at Sanford Health in Bismarck, said pregnant women were not included in vaccine trials, but data from animal tests and a CDC registry of pregnant women vaccinated give him confidence that the vaccine does not increase. the likelihood of complications from pregnancy or miscarriage. She noted that none of her patients had experienced pregnancy complications after receiving the vaccine.

Dr Stephanie Foughty, family physician at Altru Health System in Devils Lake, added that breastfeeding women should be vaccinated like anyone else, and there is no evidence their babies will have. adverse health effects.

Efforts to increase North Dakota’s vaccination rate hit a wall earlier this year as skepticism about the vaccine took hold in communities across the state. About 47% of eligible North Dakotas are fully immune to COVID-19 – far behind the national rate of 57%, according to the CDC.