COVID-19 Bivalent Booster in Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Antibody Response to Omicron BA.5, BQ.1, BF.7 and XBB.1.5 SARS-CoV-2

The evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the waning of immunity over time has necessitated the use of booster doses of original coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. This has also led to the development and implementation of variant-adapted messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines that include an Omicron sub-lineage component in addition to the antigen based on the wild-type virus spike protein. Subsequent emergence of the recombinant XBB sub-lineages triggered the development of monovalent XBB-based variant-adapted mRNA vaccines, which are available for vaccination campaigns in late 2023. Misconceptions about new variant-adapted vaccines may exacerbate vaccine fatigue and drive the lack of vaccine acceptance. This article aims to address common concerns about the development and use of COVID-19 variant-adapted mRNA vaccines that have emerged as SARS-CoV-2 has continued to evolve.

Section: Populations Of Interestmentioning

confidence: 99%

Responses to Common Misconceptions Relating to COVID-19 Variant-Adapted mRNA Vaccines

Kassianos,

MacDonald,

Aloysius

et al. 2024

“…Research indicates that pregnant women are at increased risk of severe complications such as preeclampsia and preterm births [ 3 ]. Maternal vaccination for COVID-19 not only protects these women but also, through the transfer of neutralizing antibodies across the placenta, offers protection to the fetus against the virus and its variants [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. This approach emphasizes the critical role of vaccinations in protecting vulnerable populations, marking a substantial advancement in public health and scientific development amid the pandemic.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In our previously published research, it was observed that COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women generated neutralizing antibodies that were transmitted to the fetus via transplacental transmission, and these transferred antibodies could function within the fetal system to provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 including various subvariants [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. This evidence supports the administration of COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women as a strategic measure to protect both mother and fetus.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pilot Study on Evaluating the Impact of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap), Influenza, and COVID-19 Vaccinations on Antibody Responses in Pregnant Women

Chen,

Hu,

Cheng

et al. 2024

Self Cite

This study assessed IgG levels to influenza/pertussis and neutralizing antibody (Nab) responses of COVID-19 vaccines in blood of pregnant women following immunization with pertussis (Tdap), influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines. We prospectively collected 71 participants categorized by the following vaccine combinations: 3TI, 4TI, 3T, and 4T groups (three and four doses of COVID-19 vaccines plus Tdap/influenza or Tdap vaccines alone). Our findings have indicated that the 3TI group exhibited elevated IgG levels for influenza B compared to the 3T group (12.90 vs. 7.75 U, p = 0.001); this pattern was not observed for influenza A. Pertussis IgG levels remained uniform across all groups. The 4TI group demonstrated a greater Nab inhibition rate from COVID-19 vaccines compared to both the 3TI and 3T groups (61.34% vs. 22.5% and 15.16%, respectively, p = 0.001). We observed no correlation between Nab inhibition rate and IgG levels for Tdap/influenza, with the exception of a moderate correlation with influenza B in the 3TI group. The efficacy of Tdap vaccine in pregnant women remained consistent, regardless of the administration of COVID-19 or influenza vaccines. Interestingly, without the influenza vaccine, both three and four doses of the COVID-19 vaccine still offered protection against influenza A, but not B. Hence, co-administering COVID-19, influenza, and Tdap vaccines during prenatal care maintains immunogenicity and is highly advised to safeguard pregnant women fully.

“…This process, which prominently involves the transfer of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (Nabs), promises potential protection for both fetuses and newborns [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Intriguingly, this protective mantle seems to extend its coverage even to emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains, including the Omicron variant [ 10 ]. Our previous research, along with corroborating studies, consistently highlights the criticality of these Nab transfers [ 8 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Intriguingly, this protective mantle seems to extend its coverage even to emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains, including the Omicron variant [ 10 ]. Our previous research, along with corroborating studies, consistently highlights the criticality of these Nab transfers [ 8 , 10 , 11 ]. Such defenses furnish newborns with a layer of immunity against pernicious threats like SARS-CoV-2, further endorsing the vaccination of pregnant women [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study for Maternal and Neonatal MicroRNA Profiles

Chen,

Hu,

Shen

et al. 2023

Self Cite

This pilot study explores alterations in miRNA profiles among pregnant women and their neonates upon receiving different doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Blood samples, including maternal blood (MB) and neonatal cord blood (CB), collected from five pregnant women were scrutinized using the miRNA PanelChip Analysis System, identifying nine distinct miRNAs, including miR-451a and miR-1972, which exhibited significant downregulation with two vaccine doses in both MB and CB. When compared with women vaccinated with four doses, miR-486-5p, miR-451a, and miR-1972 in the two-dose group also showed notable downregulation. Evaluating recipients of three and four doses, miR-423-5p and miR-1972 expression were significantly reduced in both MB and CB. Further comparative analysis highlighted a decline in miR-223-3p expression with increasing vaccine doses, while miR15a-5p, miR-16-5p, and miR-423-5p showed an upward trend. Notably, miR-451a, miR-1972, and miR-423-5p levels varied across doses and were associated with pathways such as “PI3K-Akt”, “neurotrophin signaling”, and “cortisol synthesis”, suggesting the profound influence of vaccination on diverse molecular mechanisms. Our research has uncovered that escalating vaccine dosages impact miRNA profiles, which may be associated with the immunological response mechanisms in both the mother and fetus, thus indicating a substantial impact of vaccination on various molecular processes.