The Claim:
An anti-vaxxer tweets an article reporting VAERS data to claim that 76% of vaccine-related miscarriages over the past 30 years occurred once pregnant women began receiving the COVID vaccine.
The Facts:
When you hear claims like these, it’s important to remember that VAERS is not a database of vaccine reactions, but of unverified claims. This is a distinction that anti-vaxxers constantly conflate. In fact, anyone can file a report with VAERS claiming a vaccine injury without any proof that the injury was actually caused by the vaccine. Also, keep in mind that increased awareness of VAERS, combined with vaccine fears spread by anti-vaccine advocates, has prompted a rise in VAERS claims since the COVID vaccine rollout.
Sadly, miscarriage is the most common way to lose a pregnancy; up to 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Clinical research has found no evidentiary link between miscarriages and vaccination. However, we have plenty of evidence from studies of pregnant vaccinated individuals demonstrating that the mRNA COVID vaccines are safe during pregnancy—and offer protection to the newborn after birth.
Disclaimer: Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.
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