Halacha follows medical consensus on this type of issue. There is growing concern that Covid 19, especially the new variants, presents special risks to pregnant women. So there is good reason to be vaccinated before trying to conceive.

In July 2020, Rav Yehuda Henkin z”l, our site’s founding rabbinic supervisor, permitted couples with concerns about conceiving during the pandemic to use contraception until there was more information about potential risks. In December 2020, Rav Henkin permitted couples to use contraception until after vaccination has taken full effect. This has now also become a public health recommendation in a number of countries, including the UK and Israel.

Therefore, you are halachically permitted to use contraception for this purpose, even if you have not yet fulfilled the mitzva of peru urevu.

During the pandemic, medical knowledge is constantly changing, especially with the emergence of new variants and the development of new vaccines. As with all medical questions, it is best to consult with your physician regarding your personal situation, and then ask additional halachic questions if relevant.

To learn more about contraceptive options, please see our site’s articles under Family Planning.

We wish you and your family continued good health! Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.