COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy Does Not Increase Risk of Major Birth Defects

Strategic Insights -

New findings published in JAMA Pediatrics have shown that COVID-19 vaccination during the first trimester of pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk for selected birth defects. The study, designed and led by researchers at HealthPartners Institute, evaluated 42,156 pregnancies resulting in a live birth and found that the risk of major structural birth defects was similar between infants born after first-trimester mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and those without exposure. The study aimed to alleviate concerns over the safety of vaccination during pregnancy and provide reassurance to pregnant individuals who are often hesitant to receive the vaccine due to these concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of selected major structural birth defects, including cardiac, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal defects.
  • The study evaluated 42,156 pregnancies resulting in a live birth, with selected major structural birth defects found in 1.48% of infants born after first-trimester mRNA COVID-19 vaccination exposure.
  • Researchers monitored several types of major structural birth defects and found no significant difference in the risk between infants exposed to COVID-19 vaccination during the first trimester and those without exposure.
  • The findings provide reassurance to pregnant individuals who may be hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to concerns over safety.
  • The study was a multisite observational cohort that included data from HealthPartners and seven other health systems in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD).
  • The VSD is a research network funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that includes a diverse population and conducts post-marketing surveillance of vaccines licensed and used in the United States.

Statistics:

  • 42,156 pregnancies were evaluated in the study, resulting in a live birth.
  • 1.48% of infants born after first-trimester mRNA COVID-19 vaccination had selected major structural birth defects.
  • 1.41% of infants without an exposure to COVID-19 vaccination had selected major structural birth defects.
  • The study included data from HealthPartners and seven other health systems in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD).
  • The VSD is a research network funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sources:

  • HealthPartners
  • JAMA Pediatrics
  • Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention