Study estimates COVID-19 vaccines avoided hospital stays for thousands of babies, mothers

A JAMA Pediatrics U.S. modeling study estimates vaccinating pregnant women against COVID-19 prevented 7,000 hospitalizations in infants and 3,000 pregnant women between January 2024 and May 2025. The researchers analyzed COVID-NET surveillance data on COVID-19 hospitalization rates in infants younger than 6 months and incidence data on pregnant women under a relative risk of 2.65. Based on the findings, the researchers urged Health and Human Services to reconsider its recent decision to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women. (CIDRAP news release, 9/30/25)