Let’s be honest: nothing about planning for a baby in 2025 feels predictable anymore. Between shifting healthcare guidelines and a world still catching its collective breath post-pandemic, starting a fertility journey now is like assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions—overwhelming and full of those "Wait, do I need this part?" moments.
But what if I told you that a recent COVID vaccine update made me reevaluate my entire plan to conceive at home?
I stumbled on this Scientific American article about fall COVID vaccines while scrolling (because what else do you do at the pharmacy these days except read headlines on your phone while in line?). It hit me: the rules around annual vaccines, which always felt like a steady constant, suddenly aren’t so clear. And if you, like me, have a history of chemical sensitivities or chronic conditions, the uncertainty gets even stickier.
The “Invisible” Struggle of Sensitivities
Here’s the thing: a lot of conversations about fertility focus on the how (the tests, the kits, the ovulation trackers), but not enough on the what ifs—the allergies, sensitivities, and immune reactions that can turn a hopeful process into a minefield of side effects.
For people like me, who get hives from a new detergent or a headache from a whiff of artificial fragrance, every new medical intervention feels like rolling the dice. So, when I read about the uncertainty in fall COVID shots—plus ongoing debates about what’s even in these vaccines—it was a big reminder to carefully consider everything I put in (and near) my body, especially when I’m actively trying to conceive.
So… Should You Get the COVID Vaccine When TTC?
Here’s where the open loop comes in—because honestly, nobody can answer this for you. Not the latest CDC press conference, not the pharmacist with the “I Got My Shot!” sticker, and not even your best friend’s mom who “read something on Facebook.”
Instead, the question is: How do you factor public health, personal risk, and your own sensitivities into your fertility choices right now?
Let’s break it down:
- Vaccine Uncertainty: Neighborhood pharmacies may or may not have COVID vaccines this season, per the article above. The guidance is shifting.
- Personal Sensitivities: Ingredients, preservatives, or adjuvants (substances that make vaccines more effective) can sometimes trigger flare-ups in those of us with allergies or chemical sensitivities. The same is true for many fertility products and lubricants.
- Timing: If you’re planning to conceive, you’re probably hyper-aware of timing everything perfectly: ovulation, insemination, prenatal vitamins. Adding a vaccine into the mix can feel like another unknown variable.
My Personal Checklist (And What I Wish I’d Known Sooner)
Here’s what I wish someone had told me earlier:
- Talk to a Specialist: Don’t rely on generic advice. Find a provider who understands BOTH your fertility goals and your sensitivities—this takes extra legwork but is absolutely worth it.
- Check Every Ingredient: Whether it’s a vaccine, supplement, or insemination kit, scan the ingredient list. You’d be surprised how many “standard” products sneak in triggers for those of us with allergies or sensitivities.
- Time It Out: If you do choose to get any vaccine, time it so your body has a chance to recover before insemination or embryo transfer. This can help reduce confusion if you do have a reaction (is it from the shot or the fertility process?).
- Create a Calm Ritual: Stress amps up everything, including immune responses. I started a weekly “Fertility Friday” routine: cozy playlist, herbal tea, and setting my intentions for the week. (Is it a little woo? Maybe. Does it help? Absolutely.)
A Quiet Revolution in Fertility Tools
What’s wild is how much progress there’s been in making fertility products themselves safer and more inclusive. I discovered MakeAMom’s tailored insemination kits and immediately felt seen. Their BabyMaker kit was literally designed for people with sensitivities and conditions like vaginismus. Plus, everything’s reusable and discreetly shipped (because privacy is priceless when you’re already fielding too many questions from relatives).
MakeAMom’s approach gave me a sense of control when the rest of my healthcare experience felt anything but. That 67% success rate among their users isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reminder that safe, effective options do exist outside the traditional, sometimes chemical-laden clinic setting.
What Does the Next Chapter Look Like?
Honestly, I don’t have all the answers—I’m still on this journey alongside you. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from the vaccine drama, the shifting headlines, and my own body’s unpredictable responses, it’s this:
You are allowed to pause, question, and customize every part of your conception journey.
The landscape might be confusing, but you know your body best. Whether you’re weighing the pros and cons of that fall COVID shot, nervously unboxing a home insemination kit, or just searching for an allergy-safe fertility solution, don’t let anyone rush you.
Because at the end of the day, the best “expert” is the one living in your skin.
If you’ve been navigating sensitivities with fertility, how have the changing vaccine (and pharmacy!) guidelines affected your plan? Drop your story in the comments—your experience could empower someone else to ask the question no one else is asking.