Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk for severe morbidity and mortality when compared with infection in non-pregnant women of childbearing age. An increasing number of countries recommend immunization against SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women. Recent studies provide preliminary and supportive evidence on safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in pregnant women; however, important knowledge gaps remain which warrant further studies. This collaborative consensus paper provides a review of the current literature on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, identifies knowledge gaps and outlines priorities for future research to optimize protection against SARS-CoV-2 in the pregnant women and their infants.
Highlights
Women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) when pregnant are at increased risk for severe morbidity and mortality compared with nonpregnant women of childbearing age [1,2,3]
The maternal mortality rate was high among women admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection (1.5 per 1,000 in pregnant women vs. 1.2 per 1,000 in non-pregnant women) and higher in women admitted primarily for COVID-19 illness, with tuberculosis being the only co-morbidity associated with admission [20]
Recent evidence indicates that 2-5% of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 are infected with SARS-CoV-2 [15, 25,26,27]
Summary
Women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) when pregnant are at increased risk for severe morbidity and mortality compared with nonpregnant women of childbearing age [1,2,3]. Given the high risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in pregnant women, several COVID19 vaccines have been approved for use in this population in many countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends immunization against SARC-CoV-2 in pregnant women when the benefits of immunization outweigh the potential risks of vaccines [6, 7]. In the current consensus paper written by experts in infectious diseases, vaccinology and maternal immunization from different world regions, we summarize the current evidence in the field of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, identify key knowledge gaps and priorities for future research strategies in this population
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