BNT162b2 Vaccination during Pregnancy Protects Both the Mother and Infant: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Antibodies Persistently Positive in an Infant at 6 Months of Age

Abstract

Vaccinations are the most important intervention for controlling the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. BNT162b2 is an mRNA-based vaccine, which is promising and safe for use during pregnancy, as it could help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications during pregnancy. Other vaccines, such as influenza and Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis) vaccines, provide significant protection for babies. Recent studies have shown that COVID-19 antibodies are present in newborns at birth, owing to maternal BNT162b2 vaccination during pregnancy; however, it is currently unclear how long these antibodies could protect infants from SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications. Herein, we present the case of a preterm baby born at 33 weeks via an emergency cesarean section owing to maternal complications. The mother had received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine at 22 and 26 weeks of gestation. Positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies were detected in the infant at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of age. This is the first case report in which BNT162b2 vaccination during pregnancy yielded a persistent immune response in an infant at 6 months of age. The declining anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody titers noted at 6 months of age emphasize the need for the vaccination of children at this age.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes

“…A flowchart of study selection process is reported in Figure 2 . We considered 46 records: 30 of them included pregnant mothers [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ], two studies included both pregnant and lactating mothers [ 39 , 40 ], and 14 studies included lactating mothers [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Most studies were conducted in the United States (41.3%) and Israel (26.1%), along with three in Italy (6.5%), two in Spain (4.3%) and in Poland (4.3%), and the remaining (17.2%) in the United Kingdom, Qatar, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Singapore.…”

COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant people in the United States: a systematic review

“…Ten of the 32 (31%) studies (Figure 2) in pregnant people examined the immunogenicity or the ability of the COVID-19 vaccine to elicit an immune response. 21,28,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] These studies demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy produced a robust immune response, and the antibody production was similar to those of non-pregnant people. 21,39 These antibodies were also found in umbilical cord blood, 21,37,[40][41][42][43][44] which means COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may convey some immunity to neonates against COVID-19.…”

“…21,28,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] These studies demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy produced a robust immune response, and the antibody production was similar to those of non-pregnant people. 21,39 These antibodies were also found in umbilical cord blood, 21,37,[40][41][42][43][44] which means COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may convey some immunity to neonates against COVID-19. In addition, the highest maternal and umbilical cord antibody levels were achieved through the completion of a full vaccination series and a booster dose.…”

COVID-19 Infection in Children and Infants: Current Status on Therapies and Vaccines

“…The major scientific societies in the world recommend vaccination to those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Vaccinating pregnant women offers an opportunity to provide protection to immunologically immature infants before they can receive their own vaccinations [ 196 ]. There is no certainty of pregnancy interruption in women who received vaccination before discovering they were already pregnant [ 47 ].…”