Beginning fertility treatment and COVID-19

• For those in treatment/trying to get pregnant now, they can have either vaccine if it is offered to them.
• Those who have not yet started treatment can have the vaccine and do not need to delay starting treatment.
• Your clinician will discuss the options with you so you can make an informed decision.

The British Fertility Society and Association of Reproductive Clinical Scientists have created this document for advice on Covid-19 vaccines.

Further information can also be found on the government website here.

The risk of Covid-19 transmission exists in general throughout the UK, including during travel to the clinic. In line with best practice guidelines, we have implemented significant modifications to our working practices to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission within our clinics. To help us achieve this objective, you will be required to abide by the following procedures:

• You (and anyone attending clinic with you) will need to complete a Covid-19 Triage questionnaire before all clinic visits, before starting treatment and on arrival at the clinic. This questionnaire will indicate whether you are able to attend the clinic; please read the questionnaire for instructions as to how to complete it. (PDF download)
• Visits to the clinic are minimised and many appointments will take place online or over the phone.
• When you visit clinic, you will need to keep 2 metres distance from other patients and staff, unless close contact is required for a medical procedure or examination.
• Waiting procedures will be different than normal, we have different designated spaces for patients to wait and you will be directed as to where to wait. If you have travelled to the clinic via car, you may be asked to wait in your car until we are ready to see you for your appointment.
• We ask that you wear a face covering if you are visiting one of our clinics.
• We will take your temperature at each clinic visit as part of our screening procedures. In addition, you will be required to follow any additional checks we implement, such as blood tests, swabs etc.
• At your visit, you will be required to wash your hands or utilise hand sanitiser on your arrival. You may be directed by our staff to follow hand hygiene procedures and you are required to follow their instructions.
• We recommend that you attend clinic on your own unless it is necessary to be accompanied. If you intend to visit clinic with another individual, they must be a member of your household and they must also complete the Covid-19 Triage Questionnaire. You must also notify us in advance if you intend to visit the clinic accompanied.
• Only one patient (and a member of their household) will be allowed to utilise shared spaces, such as corridors or lifts, at any point in time. Staff will direct you as to when it is safe for you to move through the premises.

Please bring the any paperwork, signed consents information that has been discussed with your nurse or patient support advisor.

We also ask that you wear a face covering if you are visiting one of our clinics.

As this time we recommend that you attend clinic on your own unless it is necessary to be accompanied. If you intend to visit clinic with another individual, they must be a member of your household and they must also complete the Covid-19 Triage Questionnaire. You must also notify us in advance if you intend to visit the clinic accompanied so the clinic can prepare for this.

We are working hard to keep both patients and staff safe during this time and so we are installing a policy of only one patient (and a member of their household) will be allowed to utilise shared spaces, such as corridors or lifts, at any point in time. Staff will direct you as to when it is safe for you to move through the clinic.

We have implemented significant modifications to our working practices to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission within our clinics. Attending your appointment you will be asked on arrival to do the following:

• You will need to complete a Covid-19 Triage questionnaire. The questionnaire will indicate whether you are able to attend the clinic on that day; please read the questionnaire for instructions as to how to complete it. (PDF download)
• You will need to keep 2 metres distance from other patients and staff, unless close contact is required for a medical procedure or examination.
• Waiting procedures will be different than normal, we have different designated spaces for patients to wait and you will be directed as to where to wait. If you have travelled to the clinic via car, you may be asked to wait in your car until we are ready to see you for your appointment.
• You will be asked to wear a face covering. 
• We ask to take your temperature at each clinic visit as part of our screening procedures. In addition, you will be required to follow any additional checks we implement, such as blood tests, swabs etc.
• You will be required to wash your hands or utilise hand sanitiser on your arrival.

The latest guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) suggest that pregnant women do not appear more likely to contract the infection than the general population.

There are currently no data suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or foetal anomalies or adverse pregnancy complications based on available limited information and experience. Link to RCOG guidelines: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/coronavirus-covid-19-pregnancy-and-womens-health

The long-term effect of Covid-19 on pregnancies remains unknown and the clinic cannot guarantee that a pregnant woman’s health would not be severely affected or there is no increased risk of miscarriage, premature delivery or an adverse effect on the baby if Covid-19 was contracted during pregnancy.

Patients who are at greater risk of Covid-19 infection or complications resulting from fertility treatment may be delayed from starting treatment during this time. We will consider all circumstances when designing a treatment protocol in order to minimise risk for patients.

A patient’s risk status may change during treatment; for example, a patient may develop symptoms of Covid-19 during treatment. In the interests of patient safety, we may choose to pause treatment and delay until the patient is at low risk again. In other circumstances, we may need to electively freeze embryos or eggs. Decisions in your care will be taken individually with our clinical team.

In order to protect your own safety we recommend you follow our code of conduct before commencing treatment, because this will help to reduce the risk of transmission.

- avoid unnecessary exposure to risks of Covid-19 infection at work and in private.

- restrict social life and interactions in line with government guidelines.

- inform the clinic if you develop symptoms of Covid-19; or test positive for Covid-19 infection, or for any reason your risk to Covid-19 infection has been raised; or you have been unable to follow the code of conduct.

We strongly urge patients to stay at home during their treatment as much as is possible, as this will minimise the risk of transmission.

Updated advice and Government guidelines on Covid-19 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus