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SAN FRANCISCO: In a groundbreaking study contradicting misinformation surrounding infant brain development and maternal vaccination, UC San Francisco (UCSF) has reported that the COVID vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, provides crucial evidence on the vaccine’s safety in infants, dispelling fears and misinformation regarding potential risks.
The study, led by first author Eleni Jaswa, MD, MSc, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist at UCSF Health, marks the first scientific inquiry into whether maternal vaccination impacts infant neurodevelopment. Over 2,200 infants from across the country were enrolled in the study, with no abnormal delays observed in infants exposed to the vaccine in utero.
“This is a very reassuring finding for pregnant women who have been grappling with unanswered questions about COVID vaccinations,” said Dr. Jaswa. “Despite concerns, our investigation has provided meaningful evidence supporting the safety of maternal vaccination during pregnancy.”
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women faced heightened risks of severe illness, yet concerns about vaccine safety led some to opt out of vaccination. The study aimed to address these concerns by assessing the neurodevelopment of infants exposed to the vaccine in utero.
Approximately 34% of participants received the vaccine in the first trimester, 45% in the second trimester, and nearly 21% in the third trimester. Through a comprehensive questionnaire assessing infant milestones, researchers found no difference in neurodevelopmental risk at 12 or 18 months post-birth after adjusting for various factors.
“While vaccine hesitancy persists, especially among pregnant women, our study offers vital reassurance regarding the safety of maternal vaccination,” stated senior author Heather Huddleston, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at UCSF Health. “Misinformation continues to circulate, fueling concerns about infant brain development and conditions like autism. Our findings provide meaningful evidence refuting these concerns.”
The study’s ongoing nature underscores the importance of continued research into the safety and efficacy of maternal vaccination. As the scientific community strives to combat misinformation and promote vaccination, studies like this serve as crucial milestones in safeguarding maternal and infant health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this groundbreaking evidence, UCSF researchers aim to combat vaccine hesitancy and ensure universal access to COVID vaccination, emphasizing its safety and efficacy for pregnant women and their infants.
