Covid-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy — Two for the Price of One

This editorial highlights the dual benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, protecting both mothers and infants. Maternal vaccination has been shown to transfer antibodies to infants, reducing the risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization by 52% and ICU admission by 70% in infants under 6 months. The study by Halasa et al. (in this issue) demonstrates higher effectiveness when vaccination occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy (69% vs. 38% earlier). Despite these benefits, vaccination rates among pregnant women remain suboptimal (71% as of May 2022), with disparities among non Hispanic Black women (58%). The authors emphasize the importance of healthcare provider recommendations and patient education to improve uptakeframing vaccination as a "two for one" benefit for maternal and infant health. 

This editorial highlights the dual benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, protecting both mothers and infants. Maternal vaccination has been shown to transfer antibodies to infants, reducing the risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization by 52% and ICU admission by 70% in infants under 6 months. The study by Halasa et al. (in this issue) demonstrates higher effectiveness when vaccination occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy (69% vs. 38% earlier). Despite these benefits, vaccination rates among pregnant women remain suboptimal (71% as of May 2022), with disparities among non Hispanic Black women (58%). The authors emphasize the importance of healthcare provider recommendations and patient education to improve uptakeframing vaccination as a "two for one" benefit for maternal and infant health.