The impact of COVID-19 booster vaccination in the current pregnancy during the Omicron waves on maternal and perinatal outcomes: a multicentre observational study

ABSTRACT

Objective. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 booster vaccination received during the current pregnancy on maternal and perinatal outcomes.      
Materials and Methods. This was an observational multicenter study. Pregnant women who gave birth while infected by SARS CoV2 during the Omicron waves were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the “booster vaccination” group included pregnant women who had completed vaccination and had received an additional dose of vaccine during pregnancy; the “non-booster vaccination” group included pregnant women who had completed primary vaccination without booster shots. Data about obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in both groups were compared. 
Results. In total, 59 patients were included: 41 received booster shots during the current pregnancy, and 18 did not. Asymptomatic forms were seen in 58.5% of the “booster vaccination” group versus 16.6% of the “non-boosted vaccination” group with p = 0.003. The need for caesarean delivery was reduced from 72.2% to 41.4% with p = 0.028.  The length of hospitalization was reduced from 4.67 ± 4 days in the “non-boosted vaccination” group to 1.98 ± 0.93 days in the booster vaccination group with p = 0.001. The booster vaccination allowed reduced rates of prematurity with p = 0.011 and neonatal intensive care admissions with p = 0.007.
Conclusions. The COVID-19 booster vaccination seems to be beneficial during the Omicron waves. It improved obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. So, pregnant women could be advised to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine when they get pregnant.