The Claim:
A new research letter is being cited as proof that mRNA COVID vaccines are crossing the placental barrier, suggesting that babies may be hurt in utero.
The Facts:
This study involved only two pregnant individuals, a minuscule sample size. Placental data was collected in both cases, but cord and maternal blood was only collected in one case.
Two earlier studies by the same team investigated if COVID vaccine mRNA is present in the placenta using different methods, resulting in different findings. Additionally, the study concludes: “The evidence overwhelmingly supports the COVID-19 vaccine’s effectiveness in mitigating the morbidity and mortality related to the COVID-19 disease in pregnant and non-pregnant individuals,” suggesting that this research shows potential benefits of the vaccine.
One reason we vaccinate during pregnancy for some diseases (such as RSV, pertussis, and influenza) is that the unborn baby can receive maternal antibodies and be protected until the baby receives their own vaccines. The COVID vaccine does the same during pregnancy. The vaccine is safe to receive while pregnant, and the study doesn’t show anything that would contradict that.
Disclaimer: Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.
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