Women can take COVID-19 vaccines during their periods, the government has clarified in wake of various reports on social media platforms against taking the jabs at such a time.

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A social media post, being circulated widely, said that women should not take COVID-19 vaccines five days before and after their period cycle as their immunity is very less during the time. "#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", the PIB said in a tweet. Many reports have emerged in the US claiming that periods change after they got their coronavirus vaccines. However, "so far, there's no data linking getting vaccinated to changes in menstruation", Alice Lu-Culligan and Randi Hutter Epstein at Yale School of Medicine were quoted as saying to the New York Times.

"Even if there is a connection, one unusual period is no cause for alarm", they said. The rumours were also quashed by doctors and activists while urging people to get vaccinated. Vaccination in India has been opened for all above 18 years. "A lot of patients messaging me asking if it's safe/effective to take the vaccine during their period. Your period has no effect on the vaccine efficacy. Take it as soon as you can. Spread the word, please", Mumbai-based gynaecologist Dr Munjaal V. Kapadia said in a tweet.