Two new studies are adding to growing research showing the benefits of getting vaccinated while pregnant. That includes research released last week by Mass General Hospital.The MGH study found 98% of infants born to vaccinated mothers had detectable levels of antibodies two months after birth. Fifty-seven percent still had that protection after six months. That’s compared to just 8% of babies born to vaccinated mothers. Winthrop mom Bethany Biller participated in the study with her son Wes and said she understands why women would be anxious about getting the shot while pregnant. “It was a huge decision, thinking about getting it, being pregnant,” she said. “When I finally got the vaccine, I was so relieved but also so full of emotion, I cried after I got it.”Dr. Andrea Edlow led that study at MGH and said their findings, on top of recent research from the CDC, should show moms that they’re not just protecting themselves by getting vaccinated. “Every piece of data that we currently have suggests that vaccination is safer and highly recommended for mom and fetus and neonate,” said Edlow. Vaccination rates among pregnant remain relatively low, even in Massachusetts, a state with less vaccine hesitancy. Last month, doctors at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester say they saw a surge in COVID-19 cases among pregnant women. Growing evidence shows the virus puts both mother and baby at risk. “It does affect the placenta and we are seeing this association with COVID during pregnancy and poor fetal growth,” said Dr. Julianne Lauring. “It does potentially have some long-term effects on these kids.”That spike is one of the reasons the school is pioneering a training program for doctors, helping them have more effective conversations with pregnant patients.“You don’t have to be anti-vax to be concerned about taking a vaccine during pregnancy,” explained psychologist Dr. Daniel Mullin. He added that it’s important to remember that pregnant women are hearing a lot of voices during an already stressful time.“Partners have opinions, mothers-in-law have opinions, sisters have opinions, strangers on the street have opinions about what you should do during pregnancy,” he said. “Part of this counseling approach is emphasizing that it’s the pregnant person’s choice.”Dr. Mullin says the evidence suggests that when you take a collaborative approach and hear patients out, more people are likely to choose to get the vaccine.
Two new studies are adding to growing research showing the benefits of getting vaccinated while pregnant. That includes research released last week by Mass General Hospital.
The MGH study found 98% of infants born to vaccinated mothers had detectable levels of antibodies two months after birth.
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Fifty-seven percent still had that protection after six months. That’s compared to just 8% of babies born to vaccinated mothers. Winthrop mom Bethany Biller participated in the study with her son Wes and said she understands why women would be anxious about getting the shot while pregnant.
“It was a huge decision, thinking about getting it, being pregnant,” she said. “When I finally got the vaccine, I was so relieved but also so full of emotion, I cried after I got it.”
Dr. Andrea Edlow led that study at MGH and said their findings, on top of recent research from the CDC, should show moms that they’re not just protecting themselves by getting vaccinated.
“Every piece of data that we currently have suggests that vaccination is safer and highly recommended for mom and fetus and neonate,” said Edlow.
Vaccination rates among pregnant remain relatively low, even in Massachusetts, a state with less vaccine hesitancy.
Last month, doctors at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester say they saw a surge in COVID-19 cases among pregnant women. Growing evidence shows the virus puts both mother and baby at risk.
“It does affect the placenta and we are seeing this association with COVID during pregnancy and poor fetal growth,” said Dr. Julianne Lauring. “It does potentially have some long-term effects on these kids.”
That spike is one of the reasons the school is pioneering a training program for doctors, helping them have more effective conversations with pregnant patients.
“You don’t have to be anti-vax to be concerned about taking a vaccine during pregnancy,” explained psychologist Dr. Daniel Mullin. He added that it’s important to remember that pregnant women are hearing a lot of voices during an already stressful time.
“Partners have opinions, mothers-in-law have opinions, sisters have opinions, strangers on the street have opinions about what you should do during pregnancy,” he said. “Part of this counseling approach is emphasizing that it’s the pregnant person’s choice.”
Dr. Mullin says the evidence suggests that when you take a collaborative approach and hear patients out, more people are likely to choose to get the vaccine.