Claims that having the Covid-19 vaccinations could affect a person's fertility are unfounded.

False information about the Covid-19 vaccine – including the claims on social media incorrectly suggesting having the vaccine could cause infertility – have contributed to some people deciding not to have their jab.

In response, the Royal College of Midwives and The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists issued a joint statement on the matter. Dr Edward Morris, President at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “We want to reassure women that there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility.

"There is no biologically plausible mechanism by which current vaccines would cause any impact on women's fertility. Evidence has not been presented that women who have been vaccinated have gone on to have fertility problems."

Professor Jacqueline Dunley-Bent, Chief Medical Officer for NHS England and NHS Improvement, added: "Experts are clear - there's no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility. Midwives and doctors are reassuring women on any misinformation they may have seen, and have resources to make sure people are fully informed."

John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "The Covid-19 vaccines are safe and there is a wealth of evidence now available about how they not only help protect people from this deadly virus but also reduce the chances of them being able to pass it onto others.

"It's important to remember that there is no biological process by which the vaccine could affect fertility, and you can also have it if you are breastfeeding.

"Women who are concerned should speak to a GP, whilst vaccinators will also be able to discuss any issues with you when you attend your appointment."

For more information about the vaccine, including the answers to frequently asked questions, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/vaccine. People will need to register with a GP surgery in England in order to receive the vaccine. For more details, please visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps.

As of last week, more than 138,000 life-saving Covid-19 jabs had been given in Wolverhampton, with 117,044 people having received the first of their two doses and 21,379 patients having had both.

Latest figures show there were 44 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the seven days to 6 April. That means 114 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that seven day period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus. Further details of the restrictions currently in place, and the answers to frequently asked questions, are available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/covidalert.