A new study has found that COVID-19 booster shots administered before 20 weeks of pregnancy do not increase the risk of miscarriage. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 100,000 pregnancies at six to 19 weeks from eight health systems in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). The researchers found that receiving a COVID-19 booster shot within a 28-day or 42-day exposure window did not increase the chances of miscarriage.
The VSD is a collaboration between the CDC’s Immunization Safety Office and several large health care systems. The observational, case-control, surveillance study was conducted from November 1, 2021, to June 12, 2022.
“These findings support the safety of COVID-19 booster vaccination in early pregnancy,” the researchers wrote in their paper. The results are expected to assuage concerns from individuals who are pregnant or considering pregnancy and have been hesitant to receive a COVID-19 booster dose due to questions about safety.
“COVID infection during pregnancy increases risk of poor outcomes, yet many people who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant are hesitant to get a booster dose because of questions about safety,” said Elyse Kharbanda, MD, senior investigator at HealthPartners Institute and lead author of the study in a press release.
The researchers compared the rate of spontaneous abortions, also known as miscarriages, between pregnant individuals who received a booster dose within a 28-day or 42-day exposure window and those who did not receive a booster. The rate of spontaneous abortions was similar across both groups.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Previous studies have found that primary COVID-19 vaccination is safe in pregnancy and not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. However, several studies have also shown that COVID-19 can be more severe in pregnancy and lead to worse outcomes for the mother.
With the emergence of new variants of the virus, booster shots have recently become recommended for all individuals who have received primary vaccination. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits of receiving a COVID-19 booster shot.
In addition to vaccination, pregnant individuals should continue to practice public health measures such as wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding large gatherings to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. These measures are especially important in areas with high rates of transmission and in individuals with underlying medical conditions that may increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
In conclusion, the new study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals who are considering a COVID-19 booster shot should weigh the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider. Meanwhile, everyone, including pregnant individuals, should continue to practice public health measures to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19.
