claim: “No discernible benefit of covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy”; “higher rate of neonatal and all-cause readmissions among babies born to vaccinated mothers”
evidence: Covid-19 vaccination is the safest and most effective way for people who are pregnant to protect themselves and their babies against severe covid-19 disease. Available data do not support an increased risk of adverse outcomes following covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy, so vaccination should be recommended as the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy seem to outweigh any potential risks. The immunogenicity of vaccinations in pregnancy seems to be similar to that in the non-pregnant population; however, the optimal timing of vaccination in pregnancy for neonatal/infant benefit remains uncertain. Additional information on non-mRNA vaccines, vaccination early in pregnancy, and longer term infant outcomes are also needed. Given that pregnant people are at increased risks for severe complications from covid-19, increasing the data and knowledge surrounding vaccination in this population is important to help to reduce vaccine hesitancy. Along with more data, directed personal vaccine counseling by obstetric providers to pregnant patients may also improve vaccination rates. To meet all these goals, pregnant people around the world must be prioritized in covid-19 vaccine research.