Presentation Information

COvid-19 VACcination during LACtation: The COVALAC-study

• Speaker: Joke Muyldermans , RM, MSc, IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU

Abstract:

Breastfeeding parents will encounter the SARS-CoV-2 virus and may contract COVID-19. The availability of new vaccines against COVID-19 created a need for guidance about vaccination during lactation. We aim to get an insight into the effects of COVID-19 vaccines during the lactation period. This entails the safety of vaccination during lactation, the immune response in lactating women and the excretion of immunological factors in breastmilk. Not a lot is known about the transfer of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and the mechanisms by which these antibodies provide protection to the neonate via breast milk. This presentation contributes to the knowledge of SARS-COV-2 infections and the use of different vaccine-platforms during breastfeeding and will benefit the population with respect to public health. As vaccination during lactation could result in clinically relevant sIgA-titers in breastmilk and protecting the child in early life, it is of importance that women have this information to decide whether to take the vaccine.