Does COVID-19 vaccination still have a role in maternal and perinatal outcomes during the Omicron era? A multicentre observational study

ABSTRACT

Objective. COVID-19 vaccination has a reduced efficiency against the Omicron variant. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of COVID-19 vaccination on maternal and perinatal outcomes during the Omicron wave.
Materials and Methods. This was an observational multicentre study, pregnant women who gave birth while infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron waves were included.
Patients with incomplete vaccination and recurrent infections were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the Vaccinated group included pregnant women with completed vaccination (≥ 3 doses of mRNA vaccine or 2 doses ≤ 6 months) and the Non-vaccinated group included pregnant women who had no COVID-19 vaccination. Data about obstetrical and foetal outcomes in both groups were compared.
Results. In total, 59 vaccinated and 49 unvaccinated patients were included. The incidence of patients requiring oxygen support was reduced from 36.7% to 1.7% with p < 0.001. The mode of delivery was comparable in both groups. The need for referral to an intensive care unit was reduced from 22.4% to 1.7% with p ≤ 0.001. The length of hospitalization was reduced from 6.8 ± 5 to 2.8 ± 2 days, with p ≤ 0.001. The prematurity rate was comparable in both groups, but the need for neonatal intensive care admission was reduced from 22.4% to 4.1% with p = 0.019.
Conclusions. The COVID-19 vaccination seems to be efficient during the Omicron waves. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were improved with complete vaccination. Pregnant women should be advised to have a complete vaccination status.