This is an observational, non-interventional, prospective cohort study designed to collect clinical information and specimens to evaluate the immune responses from pregnant individuals and postpartum individuals and their infants following maternal receipt of licensed or Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines.
SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease, first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has continued to spread globally. SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible between humans. A number of public health measures, including social distancing, avoidance of large congregations, particularly indoors, and the wearing of face masks, have been introduced to prevent spread of the virus. However, once these measures are relaxed, unless population immunity exceeds herd immunity thresholds, recrudescence of SARS-CoV-2 is expected. This underscores the urgent need for a safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. While all vaccines in late-stage development are based on the SARS-CoV- 2 S glycoprotein, they differ in other important characteristics, including manufacturing platform, number of doses, and immunogenicity and safety profiles. Two messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (NIAID-Moderna) were granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. FDA based on high demonstrated efficacy against symptomatic infection and severe disease in diverse populations. Janssen (Johnson \& Johnson) was also granted EUA for their single dose nonreplicating adenovirus vector vaccine. None of these large vaccine trials enrolled pregnant or lactating women (except for a small number of lactating women who were enrolled in the Janssen study). The mRNA vaccines are being distributed to prioritized population groups, and other vaccines are expected to follow as they receive EUA approval. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) gave a permissive recommendation for pregnant individuals who are in a priority group to receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on risk of exposure or comorbidities. In addition, some states have included pregnant individuals in priority groups based on pregnancy itself being considered a high-risk condition by CDC. Thus, pregnant individuals are choosing to receive these vaccines under EUA, without trial data on safety and efficacy. There are neither data on the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in lactating women nor on the effects of mRNA or other vaccines on the breastfed infant or on milk production/excretion. Current EUA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to the breastfeeding infant. Currently, additional doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are being considered to enhance durability and breadth of protection, particularly against variant strains. On August 25, 2021, Pfizer submitted a supplement to their Biologics License Application (BLA) for their mRNA vaccine seeking approval for administration of an additional dose, and other manufacturers are expected to follow. In the setting of this rapidly evolving regulatory and policy environment, it is important that data on kinetics and durability of maternal and infant antibodies be generated for all vaccine regimens, including any additional doses beyond the primary series that may be administered to pregnant women. Vaccines for pregnant individuals, such as influenza, tetanus and pertussis vaccines, are one of the most important public health measures globally to reduce disease in both mothers and infants in the first months of life. Various organizations support the position that pregnant and lactating women are a priority population and must not be excluded from the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine allocation strategy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of various licensed or EUA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines administered to pregnant or lactating women and describe the transplacental antibody transfer and kinetics of antibodies in infants. The researchers will also evaluate the durability of the antibodies in mothers and infants and assess breast milk antibodies in lactating women. The researchers will evaluate breast milk antibodies to assess potential for protection against COVID-19 in breastfed infants, similar to influenza vaccine protection from influenza illness in infants of mothers vaccinated during pregnancy or postpartum. The researchers anticipate including up to 3 vaccines, whether given as part of the primary series or additional doses, as part of this non-interventional study. It is expected that the results of this study will inform policy recommendations and personal decision-making on the use of approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in pregnant and lactating individuals. This is an observational, non-interventional, prospective cohort study designed to collect clinical information and specimens to evaluate the immune responses from approximately 2,000 study participants following maternal receipt of licensed or EUA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Participants receiving a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine either during pregnancy or within 2 months of delivery, and their infants, will be followed for 12 months after delivery.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
562
Several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines utilizing different platforms (e.g., mRNA, viral vector, etc.), are available under EUA (and soon to be licensed) and are being administered to individuals who are pregnant or postpartum who belong to high-risk priority groups for vaccination. Participants will receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine of their choice or the type that is available to them. The researchers anticipate including up to 3 vaccines, whether given as part of the primary series or additional doses, as part of this non-interventional study.
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
New York University Langone Vaccine Center
New York, New York, United States
Change in Geometric Mean Titer (GMT) of Serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Among Individuals Vaccinated During Pregnancy
The kinetics and durability of maternal serum antibodies following receipt of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT of IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), by vaccine type and/or platform (mRNA, viral vector, etc.).
Time frame: Baseline, 28 days post-vaccination, at delivery, postpartum months 2, 6, and 12
Change in GMT of Neutralizing (Neut) Antibodies in Serum Among Individuals Vaccinated During Pregnancy
The kinetics and durability of maternal serum antibodies following receipt of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT of Neut antibodies by vaccine type, platform and dose regimen.
Time frame: Baseline, 28 days post-vaccination, at delivery, postpartum months 2, 6, and 12
GMT of Cord Blood IgG
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT of IgG in cord blood, overall and by vaccine type, platform and dose regimen.
Time frame: At delivery
Ratio of Cord Blood IgG to Maternal Serum IgG
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the ratio of cord blood IgG to maternal serum IgG, overall and by vaccine type, platform and dose regimen.
Time frame: At delivery
Neut antibodies of cord blood
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT of Neut antibodies in cord blood, overall and by vaccine type, platform and dose regimen.
Time frame: At delivery
Ratio of cord blood Neut antibodies to maternal serum Neut antibodies
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York, United States
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Magee - Womens Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, United States
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, Washington, United States
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the ratio of cord blood Neut antibodies to maternal Neut antibodies, overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: At delivery
Change GMT of serum IgG in Infants Born to Individuals Vaccinated During Pregnancy
The kinetics and durability of serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in infants of mothers vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT of IgG in infants, by vaccine type, platform and dose regimen.
Time frame: At delivery, 2 months of age, 6 months of age
Change GMT of Neut antibodies in Infants Born to Individuals Vaccinated During Pregnancy
The kinetics and durability of serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in infants of mothers vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT of Neut antibodies in infants, by vaccine type, platform and dose regimen.
Time frame: At delivery, 2 months of age, 6 months of age
Frequency of Maternal Outcomes
The frequency of maternal outcomes among individuals receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine during pregnancy or postpartum will be compared to background rates in the United States, overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: At delivery
Frequency of Infant Outcomes
The frequency of infant outcomes among infants born to individuals receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine during pregnancy or postpartum will be compared to background rates in the United States, overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: At delivery
GMT of Serum IgG Compared to Non-Pregnant Women
GMT of Serum IgG in individuals receiving different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during pregnancy or postpartum will be compared to non-pregnant populations of women of childbearing age.
Time frame: 28 days post-vaccination
GMT of Neut Antibodies Compared to Non-Pregnant Women
GMT of Neut antibodies in individuals receiving different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during pregnancy or postpartum will be compared to non-pregnant populations of women of childbearing age.
Time frame: 28 days post-vaccination
GMT of Serum IgG by Gestational Age at Vaccination
GMT of serum IgG in individuals receiving different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during pregnancy will be examined by gestational age at vaccination (trimester of gestation) and interval between vaccination and delivery, by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 28 days post-vaccination
GMT of Neut Antibodies by Gestational Age at Vaccination
GMT of Neut antibodies in individuals receiving different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during pregnancy will be examined by gestational age at vaccination (trimester of gestation) and interval between vaccination and delivery, by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 28 days post-vaccination
GMT of Serum IgG by Baseline Characteristics
GMT of serum IgG in individuals receiving different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during pregnancy or postpartum will be examined by maternal age, health status, and risk status (e.g., occupation, priority vaccination group) overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 28 days post-vaccination
GMT of Neut Antibodies by Baseline Characteristics
GMT of Neut antibodies in individuals receiving different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during pregnancy or postpartum will be examined by maternal age, health status, and risk status (e.g., occupation, priority vaccination group) overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 28 days post-vaccination
GMT of Cord Blood IgG by Gestational Age at Vaccination
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT of IgG in cord blood, by gestational age at vaccination (trimester of vaccination) and interval between vaccination and delivery, overall and by vaccine type and/or platform.
Time frame: At delivery
Ratio of Cord Blood IgG to Maternal Serum IgG by Gestational Age at Vaccination
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the ratio of cord blood IgG to maternal serum IgG, by gestational age at vaccination (trimester of vaccination) and interval between vaccination and delivery, overall and by vaccine type and/or platform.
Time frame: At delivery
GMT of Cord Blood Neut Antibodies by Gestational Age at Vaccination
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT Neut antibodies in cord blood, by gestational age at vaccination (trimester of vaccination) and interval between vaccination and delivery, overall and by vaccine type and/or platform.
Time frame: At delivery
Ratio of Cord Blood Neut Antibodies to Maternal Serum Neut Antibodies by Gestational Age at Vaccination
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the ratio of cord blood Neut antibodies to maternal Neut antibodies, by gestational age at vaccination (trimester of vaccination) and interval between vaccination and delivery, overall and by vaccine type and/or platform.
Time frame: At delivery
GMT of Cord Blood IgG by Baseline Characteristics
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT of IgG in cord blood, by maternal age, health status, and risk status (e.g., occupation, priority vaccination group) overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: At delivery
Ratio of Cord Blood IgG to Maternal Serum IgG by Baseline Characteristics
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the ratio of cord blood IgG to maternal serum IgG, by maternal age, health status, and risk status (e.g., occupation, priority vaccination group) overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: At delivery
GMT of Cord Blood Neut Antibodies by Baseline Characteristics
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the GMT Neut antibodies in cord blood, by maternal age, health status, and risk status (e.g., occupation, priority vaccination group) overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: At delivery
Ratio of Cord Blood Neut Antibodies to Maternal Serum Neut Antibodies by Baseline Characteristics
Transplacental antibody transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among individuals vaccinated during pregnancy will be assessed as the ratio of cord blood Neut antibodies to maternal Neut antibodies, by maternal age, health status, and risk status (e.g., occupation, priority vaccination group) overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: At delivery
Change in GMT of IgG in Breast Milk
The kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk of mothers who received vaccine during pregnancy or postpartum, will be assessed as the GMT of IgG in breast milk, overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 2 weeks postpartum, and 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum
Change in GMT of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in Breast Milk
The kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk of mothers who received vaccine during pregnancy or postpartum, will be assessed as the GMT of IgA in breast milk, overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 2 weeks postpartum, and 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum
Change in GMT of Neut Antibodies in Breast Milk
The kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk of mothers who received vaccine during pregnancy or postpartum, will be assessed as the GMT of Neut Antibodies in breast milk, overall and by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 2 weeks postpartum, and 2, 6, and 12 months postpartum
Change in GMT of Serum IgG Among Individuals Vaccinated Postpartum
The kinetics and durability of maternal serum antibodies following receipt of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine postpartum will be assessed as the GMT of IgG, by vaccine type and/or platform.
Time frame: Baseline, 28 days post-vaccination, postpartum months 2, 6, and 12
Change in GMT of Neutralizing (Neut) Antibodies in Serum Among Individuals Vaccinated Postpartum
The kinetics and durability of maternal serum antibodies following receipt of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine postpartum will be assessed as the GMT of Neut antibodies, by vaccine type and/or platform.
Time frame: Baseline, 28 days post-vaccination, postpartum months 2, 6, and 12
Change GMT of serum IgG in Infants Born to Individuals Vaccinated Postpartum
The kinetics and durability of serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in infants of mothers vaccinated postpartum will be assessed as the GMT of IgG in infants, by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 2 months of age, 6 months of age
Change GMT of Neut antibodies in Infants Born to Individuals Vaccinated Postpartum
The kinetics and durability of serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in infants of mothers vaccinated postpartum will be assessed as the GMT of Neut antibodies in infants, by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: 2 months of age, 6 months of age
Change in GMT of Serum IgG Among Individuals Receiving Additional Vaccine Dose(s)
The kinetics and durability of maternal serum antibodies following receipt of additional dose(s) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in pregnant individuals who received vaccine prior to pregnancy, will be assessed as the GMT of IgG in serum, by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: Baseline, 28 days post-vaccination, postpartum months 2, 6, and 12
Change in GMT of Neut Antibodies Among Individuals Receiving Additional Vaccine Dose(s)
The kinetics and durability of maternal serum antibodies following receipt of additional dose(s) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in pregnant individuals who received vaccine prior to pregnancy, will be assessed as the GMT of Neut antibodies, by vaccine type and platform.
Time frame: Baseline, 28 days post-vaccination, postpartum months 2, 6, and 12