Receiving a COVID vaccine during pregnancy did not increase the likelihood of neurological effects in children, according to a new study. Specifically, children of mothers who got the vaccine during or just before pregnancy were no more likely to have Autism Spectrum Disorder or any emotional/behavioral differences, compared to children of mothers who didn’t get vaccinate. “Our results provide reassurance regarding the safety of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and pregnancy,” said Dr. George Saade, one of the study’s authors.
These results reaffirm the strong evidence base that show no link between COVID shots and negative outcomes for children, including multiple papers demonstrating no heightened risks for birth defects. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and other OB/GYN organizations have long supported COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy a safe and effective way to protect children’s health. Pregnant individuals face a greater risk for worse outcomes if they get infected with COVID, and the vaccine lowers the risk of suffering these bad outcomes. This study builds on previous research that found COVID vaccines protects women and their babies: lowering the risk of hospitalization, intensive care unit stays, and premature birth.
“It should really, hopefully, as much as you can, lay this to rest, because it’s entirely consistent with the existing large body of evidence showing that it’s safe,” said Dr. David Hackney, a maternal-fetal medicine physician at Case Western Reserve University.
Full Story: MedPageToday, SciTechDaily
