Of . – 10.2.2022 07:00 (act 10.2.2022 14:07)
Corona: mRNA vaccine in breast milk, but harmless to experts. ©pixabay.com (icon image)
Shortly after the corona vaccination, doctors detected traces of the mRNA preparation in the breast milk of nursing mothers, but nursing mothers are still advised to be immunized.
Basically, no worries, he said. Breastfeeding is safe even after an mRNA vaccination against Covid-19, doctors assure in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Breast milk examined after corona vaccination
In a small study, a team led by neonatologist Nazeeh Hanna of NYU Langone Hospital in New York analyzed milk samples from eleven women who had previously received mRNA preparations from vaccine manufacturers Moderna or Biontech/Pfizer. Using a very sensitive method, the team examined a total of 131 samples of the women’s milk, which were collected up to five days after vaccination. The researchers found traces of the vaccines in a total of seven samples from five participants. None of the milk samples that tested positive for trace mRNA were collected more than 45 hours after vaccination.
mRNA does not reach the newborn’s bloodstream
The researchers speculate that nanoparticles containing the mRNA may reach the mammary glands via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. The study did not examine whether the mRNA was still active, meaning it could theoretically lead to the formation of proteins. When questioned, the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG) emphasized that mRNA is “degraded in the stomach after oral ingestion, i.e. decomposed” and therefore does not reach the newborn’s bloodstream.
Effect of vaccine mRNA on newborns not sufficiently studied
However, researchers advise caution in children up to six months of age for the first 48 hours after vaccination until more data from safety studies are available. The possible effects of vaccine mRNA on newborns have not been sufficiently studied.
DGGG highlights that vaccination not only protects the mother from a severe course of Covid-19, but also reduces the risk of coronavirus infection in the child. “Based on these considerations, it does not seem sensible to restrict the vaccination recommendation of breastfeeding mothers”, emphasizes the specialized society.