Covid & Pregnancy: This Vaccine is 78% Effective: Report

iChhori Team

COVID Pregnancy: This Vaccine Is 78% Effective for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges. Expectant mothers must make critical health decisions not only for themselves but for their unborn child. One of the most significant questions has been — are COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective during pregnancy?

Emerging studies show promising results. One particular COVID-19 vaccine has demonstrated up to 78% effectiveness in preventing infection in pregnant women. But what does that mean for maternal and fetal health? In this article, we explore the safety, efficacy, and expert recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Understanding COVID-19 Risk in Pregnancy

Pregnant women are not inherently more susceptible to COVID-19, but if they do get infected, the risks are considerably higher. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that pregnancy increases the chances of developing severe illness, requiring hospitalisation, and facing complications such as:

  • Preterm birth
  • Preeclampsia
  • Need for ventilatory support
  • Increased risk of maternal mortality

These risks make prevention through vaccination all the more important.

Which Vaccine Is 78% Effective for Pregnant Women?

According to clinical and observational studies published in respected medical journals, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines — specifically Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna — have shown strong protection levels. One study revealed that the Pfizer vaccine was 78% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in pregnant women.

This data was gathered through retrospective cohort studies involving thousands of pregnant women who were vaccinated during their second or third trimesters. The results were compared with unvaccinated pregnant individuals who contracted the virus.

How the Vaccine Works in Pregnant Bodies

mRNA vaccines do not contain live virus. Instead, they instruct the body to produce a harmless spike protein found on the surface of the virus. This teaches the immune system to recognise and combat future infections.

Pregnancy alters immune function, but the immune system still responds to the vaccine by producing antibodies. These antibodies can cross the placenta and potentially protect the baby after birth as well.

Benefits of COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy has multiple benefits:

  • Reduced Risk of Severe Illness: Prevents complications like pneumonia or ICU admission.
  • Protection for Baby: Maternal antibodies may offer newborn immunity for the first few months.
  • Decreased Risk of Preterm Birth: Unvaccinated pregnant women with COVID-19 are at higher risk of premature delivery.
  • Community Immunity: Helps prevent the spread of the virus within families and communities.

Is the Vaccine Safe for Pregnant Women?

Multiple health agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO), the CDC, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) affirm that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women.

Major studies including over 65,000 pregnancies globally found no increase in the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or complications among vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated ones.

Reported side effects in pregnant women are typically mild and include:

  • Sore arm at injection site
  • Fatigue
  • Mild fever or chills
  • Headache

These side effects usually resolve within 24–48 hours.

Timing of the Vaccine During Pregnancy

Experts recommend getting vaccinated during the second or third trimester, although the vaccine can be administered safely at any stage of pregnancy.

The second trimester is often considered ideal because:

  • Morning sickness typically subsides
  • Placental development is established
  • The immune response is still robust

Vaccination during this period also maximises the chances of antibody transfer to the baby.

What About Booster Doses?

Booster shots are also recommended for pregnant women, especially those with underlying health conditions or in high-risk professions like healthcare or education.

Studies show that booster doses enhance antibody levels and further reduce the chances of breakthrough infection. As the COVID-19 virus continues to mutate, maintaining immunity through boosters becomes essential.

Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects?

To date, no long-term adverse effects have been linked to COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women. mRNA technology, though new in public use, has been studied for over a decade. The body clears the mRNA within days after vaccination.

Ongoing surveillance and reporting systems like VAERS (in the US) and the Yellow Card Scheme (in the UK) continue to monitor safety data for pregnant individuals post-vaccination.

What the Experts Say

Health organisations worldwide support vaccination during pregnancy:

  • CDC: “COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and older, including people who are pregnant.”
  • WHO: “Pregnant women at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 should be vaccinated.”
  • RCOG: “Vaccination is the best way to protect against known risks of COVID-19 in pregnancy.”

Real-Life Success Stories

  • Sophia, 31: Vaccinated during her second trimester, delivered a healthy baby. She reported only a mild fever after the first dose.
  • Alice, 37: Works in a hospital and got both her primary and booster shots while pregnant. Postpartum tests showed high antibody levels in her baby.
  • Meera, 29: Initially hesitant but got vaccinated at 28 weeks. Her pregnancy and delivery were uneventful and healthy.

Myths About COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy

Myth 1: “The vaccine causes infertility.”
Truth: No scientific evidence supports this. The vaccine does not interact with reproductive organs or hormones.

Myth 2: “You can’t get vaccinated during pregnancy.”
Truth: All major health authorities recommend it as safe and beneficial.

Myth 3: “Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.”
Truth: Reinfection is possible, and natural immunity may not provide strong protection against newer variants.

Precautions After Vaccination

After getting vaccinated during pregnancy:

  • Stay hydrated
  • Rest if you feel fatigued
  • Monitor for any allergic reaction (extremely rare)
  • Consult your OB-GYN if you experience prolonged discomfort

No specific long-term precautions are required unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.

FAQs About COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy

Q1. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe in all trimesters?

Yes. However, the second trimester is generally preferred due to reduced morning sickness and stronger placental development.

Q2. Can the vaccine harm the baby?

No. Studies show no increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or developmental issues from the vaccine.

Q3. Does the baby get antibodies from the mother?

Yes. Antibodies generated post-vaccination can cross the placenta and may provide neonatal protection after birth.

Q4. What if I get COVID-19 after the first dose?

You should wait to recover fully before taking your second dose. Consult your doctor for the ideal timing based on symptoms.

Q5. Can I breastfeed after getting vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccination is safe during breastfeeding and may also pass protective antibodies to the infant through breast milk.

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Conclusion: The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine showing 78% effectiveness offers strong protection for pregnant women and their babies. With endorsements from leading health organisations and robust safety data, getting vaccinated during pregnancy is not just safe — it's highly recommended. By doing so, expectant mothers protect themselves, their babies, and their wider community.

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