Systematic review and meta-analysis of neonatal outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy

BACKGROUND: The safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines during pregnancy is a particular concern. Here, we addressed the neonatal outcomes after maternal vaccination of COVID-19 during pregnancy. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the WHO COVID-19 Database for studies on neonatal outcomes after maternal COVID-19 vaccination from inception to 3 July 2022. Main neonatal outcomes were related to preterm, small for gestation (SGA), NICU admission, low Apgar score at 5 min (<7), and additional neonatal outcomes such as gestation <34 weeks, low birth weight and some neonatal morbidity were all also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies were included. We found that maternal vaccination during pregnancy was related to the reduction rates of Preterm, SGA, Low Apgar score at 5 min (<7). In addition, there was no evidence of a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes after maternal vaccination of COVID-19 during pregnancy, including NICU admission, preterm birth with gestation <34 weeks, low birth weight, very low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and so on. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women does not raise significant adverse effects on neonatal outcomes and is related to a protective effect on some neonatal outcomes. IMPACT: Present study has addressed the neonatal outcomes after maternal vaccination of COVID-19 during pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women does not raise significant adverse effects on neonatal outcomes and is related to a protective effect on some neonatal outcomes. The present study could encourage pregnant women to be vaccinated against COVID-19.