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COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy and Lactation: Current Research and Gaps in Understanding

Lydia L Shook1,2, Parisa N Fallah1, Jason N Silberman1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|October 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for optimized vaccines for pregnant individuals and newborns. This review summarizes current research on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and lactation, guiding future maternal vaccine strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Maternal Health
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Pregnant individuals and newborns face increased risks from COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 vaccines were rapidly developed and distributed, including for pregnant and lactating populations.
  • Pregnant individuals were not initially included in COVID-19 vaccine trials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and lactation.
  • To identify knowledge gaps and future research opportunities.
  • To inform the development and implementation of maternal vaccination strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant and lactating individuals.
  • Synthesis of data on vaccine safety and immunogenicity.
  • Identification of research priorities.

Main Results:

  • Data on COVID-19 vaccine safety and immunogenicity in pregnant and lactating populations are accumulating.
  • Evidence suggests COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe and effective in these groups.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand long-term effects and optimal strategies.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and lactation is crucial for protecting maternal and infant health.
  • Continued research is essential for refining maternal vaccine recommendations.
  • This review provides a foundation for future maternal immunization initiatives.

Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2lactationmRNA vaccinematernal immunizationpregnancyvaccination

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