Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers can safely take the vaccine and pass on the passive immunity against SARS CoV-2 through their breast milk, according to the research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
A participant-driven immunological study conducted by the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, measured the immune responses to Covid mRNA vaccine in the collected breast milk samples and the stools of breast-fed infants.
The primary focus of the study involving 30 vaccinated lactating mothers across the US is to show the SARS Cov-2 antibodies are transferred in the babies through breast milk. The Lead Author, Vignesh Narayanaswamy informs that this is the first study to use stool samples from infants of vaccinated mothers to detect SARS CoV-2 antibodies.
In the study, the mothers providing breast milk samples received the vaccinations between January and April 2021. The samples included,
Breast milk -21 days before vaccination.
Breast milk sample -2 to 3 weeks post 1st dose and three weeks post 2nd dose.
Samples of Blood spots on cards- 19 days post 1st dose and 21 days after the2nd dose.
Infant stool samples, collected after 21 days of the second vaccine dose of the mother.
Another mention of the study is that pre-pandemic samples of breast milk, dried blood spots, and infant stool were included as controls..
The collected samples tested for receptor-binding domains(RBD) of immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG antibodies) showed the breast milk samples neutralizing the spike proteins of SARS CoV-2. Thus, a significant rise in immune responses was observed in the breast milk samples against the Covid-19 virus and its four variants.
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The Anti-RBD IgA and IgG antibodies of 30 – 33% were also present in the infant stool samples. The breast milk of mothers also had persistent levels of SARS CoV-2 specific IgA and IgG immunoglobulins.
An interesting aspect noted here is that the levels of antibodies reciprocated the vaccine side effects experienced by the mother. In simple words, the mothers who experienced vaccine symptoms had more antibodies seen in their infant’s stool samples. In a way, lactating mothers feeling sick after vaccination benefited their infants with extra antibodies.
While Mr Vignesh Narayanaswamy noted the presence of antibodies in infants of a broad age group from 1.5 months old to 23 months old. The mothers were satisfied knowing their babies have antibodies transferred via breast milk that can help fight SARS CoV2.
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Findings show that “Even if you had COVID, there is an element of benefit for women to get the vaccine after COVID.” The final conclusions display compelling evidence encouraging women to continue breastfeeding after vaccination.
Arcaro notes, “lactating and pregnant women were urged to get vaccinated and no vaccine trials were conducted for breastfeeding and lactating mothers.” The lactating mothers or pregnant women who will get vaccinated can rest assured of the baby’s immunity shield against SARS CoV2.
The research team included Arcaro’s UMass colleagues, Dominique Alfandari, Brian Pentecost and Sallie Schneider; Dr. Corina Schoen, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate; and Ryan Baker, a UMass Amherst undergraduate student.
Participants of the study were familiar with Arcaro’s wide-ranging breast milk research, including the New Moms Wellness Study and BRCA gene-mutation research focussed by Narayanaswamy
Study Reference:
Neutralizing Antibodies and Cytokines in Breast Milk After Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA Vaccination, Obstetrics & Gynecology (2022). DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004661
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In a recent election rally in Paramkudi, BJP President J P Nadda stated that people in Tamil Nadu are seeking a change from the traditional Dravidian parties. He highlighted the desire for change and the potential for BJP’s victory post Lok Sabha elections.
Nadda expressed that the citizens of Tamil Nadu are disillusioned with the long-standing corruption and mismanagement by the Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK. He emphasized the need for a shift towards progress and development, reassuring that the BJP under PM Modi’s leadership aims to elevate the Indian economy on a global scale.
With the target of securing over 400 seats in the upcoming elections, Nadda remained confident in the success of the BJP and its allies in Tamil Nadu. He reiterated the resonance of the slogan “We Want Modi” in the state, reflecting the support for the incumbent government’s initiatives.
Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, O.Panneerselvam (OPS), who was endorsed by Nadda at the rally, pledged to prioritize the needs of Ramanathapuram constituency if elected. He expressed gratitude towards the BJP president and PM Modi for the opportunity, promising a complete transformation for the betterment of the region.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed his disapproval of the chaos caused by Congress workers during a meeting in Tumakuru, where former Prime Minister Deve Gowda was present. Bommai stated that such disruptions disrespect the former PM and do not align with the culture of Kannadigas.
Bommai emphasized the importance of freedom of expression in a democracy but condemned the disturbances at the JD-S-NDA campaign meeting. He highlighted Deve Gowda’s contributions to Karnataka and his non-partisan approach. The former CM also noted that H.D. Kumaraswamy had clarified his controversial statement about women taking the wrong path.
During the meeting in Tumakuru, Congress workers reportedly disrupted the event while protesting against Kumaraswamy’s remarks. Bommai criticized the Congress for failing to address derogatory remarks made by several party leaders against women. He called for the party to issue clarifications regarding such comments, including those made by AICC General Secretary Ranadeep Surjewala.
Bommai pointed out the increasing atrocities against women under the Congress government and urged the party to take responsibility for addressing these issues. The former CM affirmed that the people of Karnataka will not tolerate any form of “rowdyism” in state politics and expect a respectful political environment.
New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) – The Delhi Police has obtained all necessary sanctions for the prosecution of the accused in the NewsClick case. The news portal is accused of spreading pro-China propaganda in exchange for money.
The Special Public Prosecutor mentioned that sanction orders under UAPA and CrPC have been secured, to be filed in the form of supplementary chargesheets. The court deferred the matter for April 30 to decide on taking cognisance of the charge sheet.
The first charge sheet against NewsClick Founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha has been filed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police. Purkayastha is accused of accepting foreign funds to destabilise the country. PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd has also been named as an accused in the case.
The judicial custody of Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty has been extended. Chakravarty has been granted permission to become an approver in the case, claiming to possess material information that he is willing to disclose to the Delhi Police.
Official sources revealed that the charge sheet contains information on 480 electronic devices confiscated during the probe. Purkayastha is identified as the primary suspect, while Chakravarty has been granted the role of a witness in the case. The allegations involve accepting funds to disrupt the stability of the nation and influence the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The FIR filed by the Delhi Police alleges that substantial sums of money were transferred clandestinely from China to NewsClick. This fund was utilized to publish paid news articles criticizing India’s policies while endorsing Chinese government initiatives. The news portal is said to have received around Rs 38 crore in foreign funding.
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