COVID-19 Vaccine Reduces Pre-eclampsia Risk

A large international study, led by the INTERCOVID Consortium and published in eClinicalMedicine, found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, especially with a booster dose, significantly reduces the risk of Pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication affecting 3% to 8% of pregnancies globally. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,500 pregnant women across 18 countries, revealed that COVID-19 infection increased Pre-eclampsia risk by 45% overall, rising to 78% among unvaccinated women. In contrast, vaccination with a booster dose reduced the overall odds of Pre-eclampsia by 33%, and by 42% for women with pre-existing health conditions. Researchers, including José Villar and Jagjit Teji, suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine may modulate immune and vascular pathways, offering broader benefits beyond preventing COVID-19 infection itself. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening COVID-19 vaccination programs for pregnant women worldwide.