‘Transferred protection’ from COVID vaccines and boosters for pregnant women and newborns

Researchers found that vaccinated pregnant women had ‘substantially more antibodies’ in their blood and cord blood after birth

COVID vaccines and boosters
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A recent study published in the Vaccine journal suggests that receiving a covid vaccine or booster while pregnant may benefit both mother and baby. The Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Consortium (IDCRC) conducted the research. It included an analysis of data from the Multisite Observational Maternal and Infant Study for COVID-19 (MOMI-VAX), which began in June 2021.

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The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health provided funding for the MOMI-VAX study. The study authors stated in the journal article that their findings support a strong recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine, especially booster doses, during pregnancy to protect maternal and newborn health.

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The study focused on monitoring levels of COVID antibodies in pregnant women who received Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

The study additionally examined the levels of antibodies in the cord blood of newborns after delivery.

The research analyzed blood samples from 240 pregnant women and their newborns. In this cohort, 167 pregnant individuals completed the two-dose regimen of the vaccine, while 73 received an additional booster dose.

As described in the study report, vaccinated pregnant women demonstrated antibodies targeting different Covid variants, including Delta and Omicron.

Furthermore, cord blood also contains antibodies, ensuring their transmission across the placenta to protect newborns.

Comparatively, as highlighted by the researchers’ observations, those who received the booster dose displayed higher amounts of antibodies against the virus.

COVID vaccines and boosters for pregnant women and newborns

Dr. Mark Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a medical contributor at Fox News, who was not directly involved in the study, echoed the researchers’ endorsement of vaccinations during pregnancy.

He emphasized, “Several studies have consistently demonstrated the safety of the COVID vaccine during pregnancy, in addition to its role in reducing the severity of illness if a pregnant person contracts COVID.” He conveyed this sentiment to US News Digital.

Dr. Siegel highlighted the importance of this finding because pregnant women are at increased risk of developing COVID-related complications. He explained, “This recent research underscores the presence of an antibody response to the vaccine not only in the pregnant woman but also in the newborn, which strongly suggests immunity transferred to the infant.”

He notes, “Although the optimal time to administer the vaccine during pregnancy has not yet been established, research confirms that any point in pregnancy is considered the safest for vaccination.”

As stated on its website, the CDC advocates COVID vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older, along with timely booster shots when appropriate. This directive encompasses individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, currently attempting conception, or those who may consider pregnancy in the future.

In terms of future considerations, the researchers emphasized the necessity for further investigations to determine the most advantageous point in pregnancy for vaccination in order to achieve optimal protection.

Their research ambitions also extend to exploring additional aspects of prenatal COVID vaccination. This includes the assessment of antibody levels in breast milk as well as in infants during the first year following birth.

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