Vaccinations in pregnancy protect infants

October 12, 2023

Historically we are reluctant to test any new medicines (or vaccinations) on women in pregnancy, in part because adverse effects could affect both the mother and the fetus. However, there is growing evidence that a pregnant woman’s immune system can help protect her baby against severe diseases in infancy. This is especially important because we don’t administer vaccinations to babies until 6 months of age.

A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week shows that babies of women who were vaccinated for COVID-19 during their pregnancies were 35% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than babies of mothers who did not receive a vaccination during pregnancy. Almost a quarter (23%) of babies hospitalized with COVID-19 required intensive care, and those whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy were nine times more likely to need mechanical ventilation.

There are additional vaccinations that pregnant women should strongly consider. I wrote last week about the new RSV vaccination, which given to women in late pregnancy decreases the risk of RSV hospitalization of infants by 57% in the first six months of life. Influenza vaccinations are also recommended during pregnancy to protect both the mother and her new baby. Women who are pregnant are two to three times more likely to be hospitalized and die of influenza compared to non-pregnant women, and women who get flu shots during pregnancy have fewer miscarriages, preterm births and children with low birth weight. Women are also recommended to update their vaccinations for tetanus and whooping cough during pregnancy (Tdap vaccination).

Implications for employers

• Employers can remind their employees that these vaccinations for pregnant women are recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices of the CDC and are covered by employer sponsored health plans without cost sharing.

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