Study Reveals Delayed Immune Response to COVID Vaccine in Pregnant Women

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Recent research indicates that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may experience a slower immune response to the COVID vaccine. While health experts have consistently endorsed vaccination for pregnant individuals, findings suggest that it may take longer for these women to develop a robust immune defense following their first vaccine dose.

The study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, found that pregnant and breastfeeding women produced antibodies at a slower rate than their non-pregnant counterparts after the initial shot. However, by the time they received their second dose, their immune response closely resembled that of non-pregnant women. This emphasizes the crucial need for pregnant and breastfeeding women to receive their second dose promptly and to take extra precautions against infection between doses.

Researchers examined immune responses in 84 pregnant women, 31 breastfeeding women, and 16 non-pregnant women, all within a similar age bracket, who received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. After the first dose, the pregnant and breastfeeding women had lower antibody levels and less effective antibodies compared to non-pregnant women. Yet, two to six weeks after the second dose, their antibody levels were comparable to those of the non-pregnant group.

The altered immune response is thought to be linked to the changes in a pregnant woman’s immune system, which adapts to protect the fetus, a foreign entity. This adaptation increases the risk of severe illnesses from infections like COVID-19. Previous research had indicated a slightly diminished immune response in pregnant women, but limited data was available since early vaccine trials excluded pregnant individuals for safety reasons.

The timing of vaccination during pregnancy varied among participants, providing a foundation for future studies to identify the optimal vaccination timeline for pregnant women. Nonetheless, this research should not discourage vaccination; instead, it highlights the need for additional protective measures, such as social distancing and mask-wearing, during pregnancy.

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In summary, while pregnant and breastfeeding women may take longer to develop immunity after the COVID vaccine, the benefits of vaccination remain significant. Ensuring timely second doses and practicing preventive measures is crucial for this group.

Keyphrase: COVID vaccine response in pregnant women

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