Vaccinated pregnant women protect their babies, too

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) found that babies have long-lasting antibody protection if their moms got COVID-19 vaccines while they were pregnant. The researchers said they hope these and other recent findings will provide incentive for pregnant women to get vaccinated.

Study co-senior author Dr. Andrea Edlow, a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine at MGH, said many interested parties “from parents to pediatricians want to know how long maternal antibodies persist in infants after vaccination, and now we can provide some answers.” Among other findings, her team’s research showed that at two months of age, 48 of 49 infants (98%) born to vaccinated moms had detectable levels of the protective Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common antibody found in blood.

Falmouth Obstetrician/Gynecologist Nisha David, MD said it’s clear that pregnant women should be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“We now have good data to show that vaccines do not cause harm. We also know people who get the vaccine are much less likely to get sick from COVID-19, and now we know the vaccine is going to give some protection to the baby, too. I think increased antibody levels among infants is a very clear benefit to getting the vaccination,” she said.

The research also showed that it’s better to get vaccinated earlier in your pregnancy than closer to delivery, Dr. David said, noting higher antibody counts among women who were vaccinated at 20 to 32 weeks gestation.

Dr. David, who sees patients at Cape Obstetrics & Gynecology, said the study, published in the February 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) online, pointed out that infants whose moms got the COVID-19 vaccine had “significantly greater antibodies” as compared to infants whose moms actually had COVID-19. According to study authors, at 6 months, 57% of infants born to vaccinated mothers still had detectable antibodies compared with 8% of infants born to unvaccinated, infected mothers.

“Although the study was small, it’s very convincing,” Dr. David said. She recommends pregnant women be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the benefit of their own health, as well.

Pregnancy puts you in a higher risk category, just as with other immunocompromised conditions, she explained.

“Pregnant people are at higher risk of getting COVID-19, and I think it’s very helpful to be vaccinated to be protected. I think it’s important to be boosted, as well. That’s how we can get lasting antibody protection,” Dr. David said.