South Korean study shows COVID-19 vaccination safe and effective in early pregnancy

COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective before and during early pregnancy, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science. Although clinical data has indicated reduced morbidity risk and a favorable safety profile from the COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women, many women still express vaccine hesitancy when planning pregnancy. This is especially based on concern of miscarriage and congenital anomalies in their babies. COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women is low in South Korea, indicating a need to investigate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in this population. Investigators conducted a study to determine the association between maternal COVID-19 vaccination preconception and miscarriage or severe maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccine hesitation prevents pregnant women from receiving vaccinations to protect themselves against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Prior studies on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in this population have methodological limitations, and data from Asian countries...