Systematic review and meta-analysis of neonatal outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy

Abstract

BackgroundThe safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines during pregnancy is a particular concern. Here, we addressed the neonatal outcomes after maternal vaccination of COVID-19 during pregnancy.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the WHO COVID-19 Database for studies on neonatal outcomes after maternal COVID-19 vaccination from inception to 3 July 2022. Main neonatal outcomes were related to preterm, small for gestation (SGA), NICU admission, low Apgar score at 5 min (<7), and additional neonatal outcomes such as gestation <34 weeks, low birth weight and some neonatal morbidity were all also analyzed.ResultsA total of 15 studies were included. We found that maternal vaccination during pregnancy was related to the reduction rates of Preterm, SGA, Low Apgar score at 5 min (<7). In addition, there was no evidence of a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes after maternal vaccination of COVID-19 during pregnancy, including NICU admission, preterm birth with gestation <34 weeks, low birth weight, very low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and so on.ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women does not raise significant adverse effects on neonatal outcomes and is related to a protective effect on some neonatal outcomes.ImpactPresent study has addressed the neonatal outcomes after maternal vaccination of COVID-19 during pregnancy.COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women does not raise significant adverse effects on neonatal outcomes and is related to a protective effect on some neonatal outcomes.The present study could encourage pregnant women to be vaccinated against COVID-19.