Evaluation of safety concerns for COVID-19 immunization of pregnant
women: A systematic review of emerging evidence
Abstract
Background: There is an urgent need to review the status of COVID-19
vaccine immunization in pregnant women globally so that the adverse
outcomes may be prevented. Objective: To evaluate the probable outcome
of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women. Search strategy: An
electronic search was conducted over the period of 3 months (June
15-August 15, 2021). Selection criteria: The original studies evaluating
safety concerns in pregnant women for COVID-19 vaccination were
included. Data collection and analysis: Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 guidelines were used
for the collection of the data and reporting of the findings. The
inclusion and exclusion criteria for the studies were determined based
on ‘PICO principle’ (Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome,
Study design. Risk of bias assessment was done using National Institute
of Health (NIH) tool for systematic reviews. Main results: COVID-19
vaccination in pregnant women was not associated with increased adverse
effects or complications to the mother as well as developing fetus or
newborn compared to non-vaccinated pregnant women. Vaccinated pregnant
women showed a robust immune response against COVID-19 infection.
Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy causes no significant
health risks for the mother or developing fetus or newborn.