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SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination During Pregnancy: A Complex Decision

Elizabeth Wenqian Wang1, Jacqueline G Parchem2, Robert L Atmar3

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, Towson, Maryland, USA.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|May 31, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals can consider SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. COVID-19 risks during pregnancy likely exceed potential vaccine risks, despite limited specific data.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

  • The introduction of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in late 2020/early 2021 prompted guidance from professional societies for pregnant and breastfeeding populations.
  • A significant challenge for this demographic is the limited data on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a balanced perspective on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
  • To weigh the known risks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy against the potential, less-understood risks of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Main Methods:

  • This analysis is based on existing data regarding vaccine safety and efficacy in nonpregnant populations.
  • Risk-benefit assessment considering the clinical presentation and outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnant individuals.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 vaccines demonstrate reassuring safety and efficacy profiles in the general, nonpregnant population.
  • The known risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy are substantial.

Conclusions:

  • The potential risks of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are not yet fully elucidated.
  • However, the established risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy likely outweigh the potential risks of vaccination, supporting informed decision-making.

Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2breastfeedingpregnancyvaccine

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