COVID-VACCINES IN PREGNANCY: MATERNAL AND NEONATAL RESPONSE OVER THE FIRST 9 MONTHS AFTER DELIVERY
type: CreativeWork
description: Abstract This doctoral research explores the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination during pregnancy, focusing on its efficacy in generating immune responses, transplacental antibody transfer, and the subsequent immunity conferred to newborns. The study aims to address gaps in understanding the duration and effectiveness of maternal-derived neonatal immunity while assessing the roles of breastfeeding, maternal booster doses, and postnatal infections in shaping antibody kinetics over a 9-month postpartum period. Background The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 created significant health challenges, especially for pregnant women, who are at higher risk of severe complications compared to non-pregnant individuals. Despite initial vaccine hesitancy stemming from the exclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials, subsequent observational studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines in this population. Vaccination not only reduces maternal morbidity but also leverages transplacental antibody transfer to provide passive immunity to neonates, a crucial protection mechanism during their immunologically immature early life. Methodology This prospective observational study recruited 98 pregnant women who received at least one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during different trimesters. Maternal and neonatal antibody levels were assessed at birth (T0), and at 3, 6, and 9 months postpartum (T1–T3). Blood samples were analyzed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) to quantify IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2's spike protein. Antibody kinetics were studied in relation to vaccination timing, breastfeeding practices, and postnatal infections. Participants were monitored for vaccine-related adverse events, SARS-CoV-2 exposure, and health outcomes. Findings Maternal vaccination induced robust immune responses, with efficient transplacental transfer of IgG antibodies observed. The study highlights several critical insights: 1. Timing of Vaccination…
abstract: Abstract This doctoral research explores the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination during pregnancy, focusing on its efficacy in generating immune responses, transplacental antibody transfer, and the subsequent immunity conferred to newborns. The study aims to address gaps in understanding the duration and effectiveness of maternal-derived neonatal immunity while assessing the roles of breastfeeding, maternal booster doses, and postnatal infections in shaping antibody kinetics over a 9-month postpartum period. Background The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 created significant health challenges, especially for pregnant women, who are at higher risk of severe complications compared to non-pregnant individuals. Despite initial vaccine hesitancy stemming from the exclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials, subsequent observational studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines in this population. Vaccination not only reduces maternal morbidity but also leverages transplacental antibody transfer to provide passive immunity to neonates, a crucial protection mechanism during their immunologically immature early life. Methodology This prospective observational study recruited 98 pregnant women who received at least one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during different trimesters. Maternal and neonatal antibody levels were assessed at birth (T0), and at 3, 6, and 9 months postpartum (T1–T3). Blood samples were analyzed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) to quantify IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2's spike protein. Antibody kinetics were studied in relation to vaccination timing, breastfeeding practices, and postnatal infections. Participants were monitored for vaccine-related adverse events, SARS-CoV-2 exposure, and health outcomes. Findings Maternal vaccination induced robust immune responses, with efficient transplacental transfer of IgG antibodies observed. The study highlights several critical insights: 1. Timing of Vaccination…
author: PROTO, ALICE
language: eng
date published: 2025-02-28
date modified: 2026-07-27T20:18:53Z
provider: Università degli Studi di Milano
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Università degli Studi di Milano

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/1141324

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.13130/proto-alice_phd2025-02-28