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A recent study reveals encouraging news regarding new mothers and their ability to provide COVID protection to their infants. Research conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center indicates that mothers who are either vaccinated or have previously been infected with COVID-19 can transmit essential antibodies through their breast milk, potentially safeguarding their babies from the virus.
Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study evaluated breast milk from 77 mothers—47 who had experienced a prior COVID-19 infection and 30 who received the vaccine. The researchers aimed to determine the presence of antibodies in their breast milk and to track the antibody levels over time.
Findings showed that mothers with a history of COVID-19 infection exhibited elevated levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies, while those who were vaccinated had significant amounts of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Both types of antibodies are known to help protect against COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and mortality.
Notably, the study found that these antibodies remained detectable in breast milk for up to three months, a longer duration than previously documented in other research. While earlier studies identified the presence of antibodies in breast milk, the longevity of these antibodies following infection or vaccination remains unclear.
“It’s one thing to measure antibody concentrations, but it’s another to say that antibodies are functional and can neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” explained Dr. Laura Green, an assistant professor in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at URMC. “One of the exciting findings in this work is that breast milk from both mothers with COVID-19 infection, and from mothers receiving mRNA vaccination contained these active antibodies that were able to neutralize the virus.”
The study also aligns with scientists’ theories that while COVID vaccines offer strong protection, optimal immunity may be achieved through both vaccination and prior infection.
However, some questions remain, particularly regarding whether the antibodies present in breast milk can effectively protect nursing infants from COVID-19. “The study does not imply that children would be protected from illness,” cautioned study co-author Dr. Sarah Thompson. “And breast milk antibodies may not be a substitute for vaccination for infants and children once approved.”
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In summary, the study highlights that mothers who are vaccinated or have had a previous COVID-19 infection can pass on protective antibodies through their breast milk. While this discovery is promising, further research is needed to determine the extent of protection these antibodies offer to nursing infants.
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