No traces of mRNA vaccines found in breast milk

While there is no evidence Covid-19 mRNA vaccines are transmitted through breast milk, the antibodies formed through these vaccines are likely to be, thus protecting baby from the disease. — AFP

Women who are breastfeeding don’t have to stop after they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 with a mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine, according to American experts.

A research team led by Stephanie Gaw at the University of California San Francisco found that breast milk isn’t compromised by mRNA vaccine jabs, which includes those from Pfizer/BioNTech (called Comirnaty) and Moderna (called Spikevax).

They examined 13 breast milk samples from seven vaccinated women and no mRNA from the vaccine had been detectable in any of them, according to the findings published in the Jama Pediatrics journal.

Five subjects had received the vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech, while two were inoculated with the Moderna jab.

The samples studied were taken before vaccination, and between four and 48 hours afterwards.

The results are important early evidence that mRNA from the vaccines is not transferred to the infant, the researchers write.

However, they also pointed to the small number of study participants, saying it limited the conclusions taken from the results.

mRNA vaccines consist of genetic instructions for human cells to make just a fragment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19.

German expert associations, for example, had already recommended that women who are breastfeeding be put on priority lists for a coronavirus vaccination.

Antibodies formed by the vaccination would be transported via the mother’s milk, and breastfed newborns would thus be protected through passive immunity, they said.

Germany’s Standing Commission on Vaccination (Stiko) head Thomas Mertens recently said that the inoculation of breastfeeding women was “actually unproblematic”, recommending that they be vaccinated without further ado. – dpa

Get the best post-natal vitamins on the market at competitive rates when you purchase using Shopee Voucher