They ensure that coronavirus vaccines prevent complications in pregnancy
An Oxford study conducted in 41 hospitals in 18 countries revealed that Vaccines reduce complications in women and pregnant people against the Omicron variant, and unvaccinated pregnant women have higher risks, reported the Buenos Aires Ministry of Health.
This is the “Intercovid 2022” study, published by the University of Oxford, in the scientific journal The Lancet, which evaluated the impact of the Covid-19 Omicron variant on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
The researchers studied 1,545 pregnant women diagnosed with Covid-19 and 3,073 pregnant women not diagnosed with the virus in 41 hospitals in 18 countries.
The results showed that pregnant people, vaccinated and preferably with the additional booster dose, were “adequately protected” against the symptoms and serious complications of Covid-19 Ómicron, and had “very low risk” of admission to intensive care units.
The Omicron variant during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity, serious pregnancy complications, and hospital and intensive care unit admissions, especially among symptomatic and unvaccinated women, and in particular, the risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure). and signs of liver or kidney damage that can occur in women after the 20th week of pregnancy) were increased among women with severe symptoms. Obese or overweight women with severe symptoms had the highest risk of maternal morbidity and serious complications.
The Provincial Director of Gender Equity of the Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires, Sabrina Balanaexplained that this study “has a very important health value because it adds conclusive results to the evidence we had up to now, reinforces the importance of women and pregnant people being vaccinated against the coronavirus, since it shows the increase of severe morbidity in unvaccinated women and the efficacy of vaccination to protect against serious complications caused by covid-19”.
“In this sense, It is important that we continue to protect pregnant people by completing the recommended doses and reinforcements“, he remarked.
The global network of hospitals coordinated by the Oxford Maternal and Perinatal Health Institute (OMPHI) conducted the study between November 27, 2021 and June 30, 2022, during which time Omicron was the predominant variant and the efficacy of Omicron was evaluated. efficacy of the vaccine against this variant.
The report argues that mRNA vaccines were the most effective in preventing symptoms and serious complications of Covid-19 Omicronalthough viral vector vaccines with a booster dose also provided adequate protection, for at least 10 months after the last dose.
For his part, Professor of Perinatal Medicine at the University of Oxford, Jose Villarco-director of the Intercovid 2022 study, stated that they have “provided robust and evidence-based information on the increased risk of Covid-19 Ómicron during pregnancy for severe maternal complications, especially among symptomatic and unvaccinated women.”
“Our study clearly indicates the need for full vaccination schedule during pregnancy, and with a booster dose, to provide protection for at least 10 months after the last dose. Antenatal services around the world should strive to include vaccination against Covid-19 in the routine care of pregnant women,” she said.
Professor of Fetal Medicine at the University of Oxford, Aris Papageorghiou, co-director of the research, said that “although the Omicron variant may be less harmful than previous variants in the general population, that of unvaccinated pregnant women around the world continue to having a high risk of complications.
“Since it is impossible to predict who will develop symptoms or serious complications, comprehensive and universal vaccination during pregnancy is required,” he said.
