Covid vaccines provide protection during pregnancy, study says

A new study out of UW Medicine states that Covid vaccines provided great protection during pregnancy, even amid omicron spikes.

"What we've learned over the last few years is that pregnancy is a very vulnerable time for Covid infection, with its complications, and it increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcome that could be largely prevented by appropriate vaccination and booster," said Dr. Michael Gravett, an OB-GYN with the University of Washington School of Medicine.

The study states that Covid vaccines, plus the first booster shot, provided protection against death and severe complications during pregnancy, with 76% efficacy.

“Given the marked increased in maternal mortality and severe morbidity seen in our earlier studies prior to vaccination, the 76% efficacy is pretty impressive and really points to the need to get women vaccinated," Gravett said.

"One misconception during pregnancy is that having been vaccinated, you're now protected ... our data would demonstrate that the booster adds additional protection. Immunity, as in all cases, tends to wane over time. The booster is especially important for the newer variants that are coming along."