Concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy have been widespread, particularly regarding potential long-term effects on children. New research presented at the 2026 Pregnancy Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) offers reassuring evidence: the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of autism or other neurodevelopmental problems in children born to mothers vaccinated during or shortly before pregnancy. This finding addresses a critical question for expectant parents and healthcare providers, bolstering confidence in the safety of vaccination during this vulnerable period. The study focused specifically on the mRNA vaccine, one of the two types of COVID-19 vaccines recommended in the United States, alongside protein subunit vaccines, both considered safe throughout pregnancy to protect maternal and infant health.
The research, conducted by the Network of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units, involved a prospective, multi-center observational study of 434 children aged between 18 and 30 months. Researchers assessed the children for signs of autism and other neurodevelopmental issues. The study, carried out between May 2024 and March 2025, divided the children into two groups: 217 whose mothers received at least one dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy or within 30 days prior, and 217 whose mothers did not receive the vaccine during the same timeframe. This careful design aimed to provide a robust comparison and address anxieties surrounding autism and vaccination.
Rigorous Study Design to Address Parental Concerns
To ensure a fair comparison, researchers meticulously matched mothers who received the mRNA vaccine with those who did not, based on key factors including place of delivery (hospital, birthing center, etc.), date of delivery, insurance status, and race. Participants with preterm births (before 37 weeks), multiple pregnancies, or children with major congenital anomalies were excluded from both groups. This careful exclusion criteria strengthened the study’s focus on isolating the potential impact of the vaccine on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
The children in both groups underwent comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments at 18 months and 30 months of age. These evaluations utilized the Ages and Stages Questionnaires Version 3, a widely used tool for tracking infant and toddler development across five key areas: communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social interaction. Researchers also compared scores from the Child Behavior Checklist, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, and the Infant Behavior Questionnaire to provide a multifaceted assessment of each child’s development.
No Detectable Difference in Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
According to the study’s lead investigator, George R. Saade, professor and chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and associate dean of Women’s Health at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Ancient Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, “The neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born to mothers who received the COVID-19 vaccine during or shortly before pregnancy did not differ from those born to mothers who did not receive the vaccine.” This finding is particularly significant given the ongoing public health recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy to protect both mother and baby from the potentially severe consequences of COVID-19.
The study’s findings align with previous research and statements from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), which has repeatedly reaffirmed that vaccines do not cause autism. However, this new research provides specific data related to mRNA vaccination during pregnancy, addressing a unique and pressing concern for expectant families.
A Rigorous Process Yields Reassuring Results
Brenna L. Hughes, professor of Reproductive Biology and Family Planning and interim chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke University in Raleigh, North Carolina, emphasized the scientific rigor of the study. “This study, conducted through a rigorous scientific process within a network of NIH clinical trials, demonstrates reassuring findings regarding the long-term health of children whose mothers received the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy,” she stated. The involvement of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical trials network adds further credibility to the research.
The researchers acknowledge that ongoing monitoring is crucial. While this study provides strong evidence of safety, continued surveillance of children born during the pandemic will help to further refine our understanding of any potential long-term effects of maternal vaccination. The study’s findings contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, a critical public health measure.
For expectant parents seeking the latest information on COVID-19 vaccination, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) provides comprehensive resources and clinical guidance. The SMFM’s website offers up-to-date information on vaccine recommendations, safety data, and answers to frequently asked questions, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies.
The next step in this ongoing research will be to analyze data from a larger cohort of children as they reach later developmental milestones. Researchers will continue to monitor for any potential long-term effects and refine their understanding of the relationship between maternal vaccination and child health. This continued vigilance is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring the best possible outcomes for families.
This research offers valuable reassurance to pregnant individuals and their families. If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, please consult with your healthcare provider. Share this article with anyone who may benefit from this significant information.
