COVID-19 Hospitalization Rates Remain Highest Among Infants,ACOG Data Shows – Vaccination remains Key Protection
Washington,D.C. – New data released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) underscores that infants remain at the highest risk for COVID-19 hospitalization compared to all other age groups under 75, even as overall risks from the virus have decreased. The data reinforces ACOG’s advice that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is the most effective way to provide infants with early protection, as thay are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
While natural and vaccine-driven immunity have lessened the severity of COVID-19 compared to earlier strains, the vulnerability of newborns remains a notable concern. ACOG’s analysis of CDC data from October 2022 to April 2024 reveals a stark disparity: infants born to individuals without a record of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy experienced substantially higher rates of hospitalization. This data highlights the critical role maternal vaccination plays in safeguarding infant health.
The ACOG data further demonstrates that infants born to people who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy face an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Vaccination during pregnancy provides protective antibodies to the infant in their first few months of life, a period of heightened vulnerability.
For lactating individuals, ACOG confirms that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine does not necessitate discontinuing breastfeeding. In fact, vaccination while breastfeeding actively transfers antibodies to the infant, bolstering their protection against infection. A growing body of evidence supports the safety and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during lactation, making it a proactive step in protecting both mother and child.
