Menstruation "lowers" a woman's immunity: Is it true or just a hoax?

COVID-19 vaccination will begin in India's fourth and largest phase on 1st May 2021, with registrations to open tomorrow (28th April). The vaccination drive would enable a population of over 18 years to receive vaccinations at a time when the world is experiencing its worst epidemic since the pandemic began. Although many people have reservations and concerns regarding vaccinations, there are still some misconceptions and misinformation that cloud acceptance.

And, among these, there is one recent post that has prompted women to raise doubts about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when they are in the midst of their menstrual cycle. The claim, that has been gone viral on social media, has led many people to assume that the COVID-19 vaccine isn't completely safe for them.

Menstruation "lowers" a woman's immunity, as per a popular social media post, so getting vaccinated 5 days before, during, or after your period won't be health-conscious or efficient. According to that, the first dose of the vaccine "decreases" immunity, which then builds up weeks later, putting women who get vaccinated during their cycles at a high risk of getting the infection and getting sick.

Is there any validity to the claim? Or is it all a sham?

It's important to be vigilant and knowledgeable about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines right now, as they're one of the most effective preventive tools in the battle against the killer virus and could help us avoid the second COVID-19 wave in India.

Most notably, COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be effective in all respects, and there is no evidence that taking the vaccines during your time duration is dangerous. Moreover, doctors and activists have regularly issued warnings, urging people not to be fooled by false statements.

For starters, there is no evidence or data linking COVID vaccines to menstruation. Furthermore, thousands of women have been immunised against COVID-19 around the world, and no lawsuits have been filed.

It's also important to note that menstruation is a natural bodily function that has no effect on the body's immune response. Menstruation causes hormonal changes that can have a minor impact on how you respond to an infection or side effects, but it does not affect your immunity. The vaccine's effectiveness is unaffected by your time. The two do not have much in common.

Vaccines trigger an immune response by injecting a live (modified) or inactive strain of the pathogen, and the reaction is unaffected by the menstrual cycle or any other bodily processes. As a result, taking the vaccine during your lifetime is completely healthy, and women will not be harmed in any way.

Unfortunately, the cycle argument isn't the only fertility-related myth that prevents vaccine adoption. Many anti-vaxxers and people who are afraid to get the vaccine to feel that it will damage both men and women's fertility and reproduction.

Some still claim that the vaccine agents damage a protein found in the placenta, leading to scepticism and a postponement of vaccinations. This is, once again, absolutely false. Vaccines do not contain any potentially harmful extracts, and there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Following their vaccine shots, women have gone on to conceive and give birth. Immunisation adverse effects are an inevitable part of the procedure. Women, according to what has been observed, experience more side effects than men.

If you get the vaccine dosage, the side effects can be a little harsher or trigger changes to your menstrual cycle (prevent cycles or make you feel more cramps than usual). It may be a normal reaction triggered by hormonal changes that resolve on its own, and it does not affect every woman.

As a result, get your vaccine as soon as possible and take all precautions to protect yourself from the deadly virus.

#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