COVID-19 Vaccination During Gestation and Lactation: Leaps in Comprehension

Fatma, E. Salem; Shima Mahmoud, Ali; Mohammad M., Aboulwafa; Riham, M. Shawky

doi:10.21608/aprh.2021.104588.1145

COVID-19 Vaccination During Gestation and Lactation: Leaps in Comprehension

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Ain-Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt

² Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Organization of African Unity St., Abbassia, POB: 11566, Cairo, Egypt

³ Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University, Ras Sudr, South Sinai, Egypt

10.21608/aprh.2021.104588.1145

Abstract

Introduction: A total of 7.3 billion vaccine doses of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been administered globally up to 19 November 2021. Yet, in the paucity of evidence regarding effectiveness and safety among special populations, the concern of undergoing vaccination during gestation and breastfeeding is a matter of considerable regional and global dilemma. However, herd immunity remains the only effective COVID-19 prevention strategy, which entails vaccinating gestational as well as breastfeeding females. Methods: We, therefore, present an up-to-date literature review of the most recent evidence and information using multiple research engines, including PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov. Objectives: To retrieve concrete proof to aid in making an evidence-based approach towards maternal immunization. Results: The results showed growing evidence of benefit and insufficient proof of harm from several studies that enrolled gestational and lactating females. Studies also reported that gestational and breastfeeding participants mount a fairly similar initial serological response to that encountered in non-pregnant counterparts. Conclusion: It is strongly recommended to keep assessing clinical trials, observational studies, and all possible available findings to broaden our perception regarding vaccination in gestational and lactating females.

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