COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy reduces risk of infant hospitalization

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Evidence, although limited, on the safety and efficacy of vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy has been increasing, suggesting that the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19 outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy
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Recent studies on COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy suggest that Sars-Cov-2-specific antibodies may be transferred across the placenta, which may provide protection to the infant
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However, there is currently no epidemiological evidence that maternal vaccination during pregnancy protects the baby
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Newly published data from MMWR shows that babies of mothers who were vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy were less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19
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Researchers from Vanderbilt University conducted a negative case-control study of 379 hospitalized infants under 6 months of age between July 2021 and January 2022 to evaluate pregnant women who completed 2 doses of COVID-19 during pregnancy.
19 Effectiveness of primary mRNA vaccination for preventing hospitalization for COVID-19 in infants
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The median age of the infants tested was 2 months, 21% had at least one underlying disease, 176 had COVID-19 (case group), and 84% had unvaccinated mothers; 203 did not have COVID-19.
19 of the infants were the control group, with 22% of preterm infants in both groups
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RESULTS: Completion of a 2-dose vaccination series during pregnancy was 61% (95% CI, 31%-78%) effective in preventing infant hospitalization for COVID-19
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The efficacy of the two-dose series completed in the first trimester was 32% (95% CI, –43% to 68%), and the efficacy of the two-dose series completed in the second trimester was 80% (95% CI, 55%).
%-91%)
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Of the 43 infants (24%) admitted to the ICU, 25 (15%) were critically ill and receiving life support, including one receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
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Neither the infant nor the mother of the infant who died was vaccinated
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Among infants admitted to the ICU, 88% of their mothers were not vaccinated
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This real-world assessment of 20 pediatric hospitals in the United States during Delta and Omicron variant cycles showed that maternal completion of a 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccination series during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 hospitalization in infants <6 months of age
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The above findings continue to underscore the importance of vaccinating against COVID-19 during pregnancy, not only to protect pregnant women but also their babies from hospitalization due to COVID-19
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COVID-19 during pregnancy is associated with severe illness and death, and pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to experience preterm birth, stillbirth and other pregnancy complications
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Therefore, pregnant women are advised to be vaccinated against COVID-19
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COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective, and COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is associated with maternal antibodies detectable in delivery, breast milk, and infant serum, suggesting intramaternal antibody transfer
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In conclusion, the completion of 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series during pregnancy can reduce the risk of hospitalization associated with COVID-19 in infants <6 months of age, and the infant protection effect of maternal vaccination in late pregnancy is higher
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The U.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or who may become pregnant in the future get the COVID-19 vaccine and stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccine updates
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References: 1.
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy lowers hospitalization risk for infants.
ByKalie VanDewater.
February 15, 2022.
2.
Halasa NB, Olson SM,et al.
Effectiveness of Maternal Vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy Against COVID-19 –Associated Hospitalization in Infants Aged <6 Months — 17 States, July 2021–January 2022.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.
ePub: 15 February 2022.