Safest vaccination process for pregnant women is under analysis in an ongoing study

 The ideal time gap between the first and second COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women is currently being explored in a new study, which was first launched in November 2021.

 Entitled ‘Preg-CoV’, the study is also assessing which vaccine is the most suitable option for females who are pregnant in the UK.

 As part of the trial, which was launched at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital, half of the participants will receive their COVID-19 jabs four to six weeks apart, while the other half will have an eight-to-12-week gap between both jabs, meaning they might receive their second dose after giving birth.

 Participants must be classified as low-risk and must be between 13 to 34 weeks pregnant. Females wanting to take part in this study also must be aged between 18 and 45.      

 During the study, the team of scientists will take regular blood samples from each participant, with a cord blood sample also required once the baby is born.

 As part of the trial, a blood sample of the participant’s baby will also be taken when they are between four and 12 weeks of age.

 In addition, each participant will fill in vaccination assessments to outline any symptoms after being jabbed and some of the women will have to provide samples of their breastmilk. 

 Prior research has identified that severe cases of COVID-19 are more common amongst pregnant woman compared to non-pregnant women of the same age.

 According to the report, being infected with COVID-19 whilst pregnant puts you at risk of giving birth early.

 COVID-19 mortality rates are also higher amongst pregnant women than non-pregnant women of the same age, the study has shown. 

 Once finalised, the results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals, internal reports, conference presentations and online publications.

 To take part in the study, click here.