Maternal Covid-19 vaccination boosts infant immunity and reduces neonatal risks

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that infants born to mothers who were vaccinated against Covid-19 had significantly lower risks of severe neonatal morbidity, neonatal death, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit during the first month after birth. The study, which observed 142,006 infants up to 6 months of age, also showed that protection against the virus continued for up to six months after birth. Maternal vaccination has been shown to have positive outcomes for both mother and baby, similar to other vaccines administered during pregnancy. However, vaccine hesitancy and fears of adverse effects still exist among pregnant women in the US. Clinicians having a strong relationship with their patients and providing a strong recommendation, along with access to vaccines, can help encourage pregnant individuals to get vaccinated.