JAKARTA - Oxford University scientists said on Tuesday they would evaluate the effect of the novel coronavirus variant on pregnant women and newborns, as well as the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on complications during pregnancy and after birth.
The study comes less than a year after the university found that pregnant women with COVID-19 and their newborn children face a higher risk of complications, such as premature birth and risk of organ failure, than previously known.
The researchers say the study aims to fill gaps, including the effects of newer variants of the virus such as Omicron in high-risk groups that have seen 'alarming' vaccination rates.
"The effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy have been underestimated and under-studied," said Oxford University Professor José Villar, who was also one of the lead researchers.
"Pregnant women were not even included in vaccine trials, which allowed unscientific and frightening 'information' to be disseminated."
Previously, many global health authorities had said vaccinating against COVID-19 during pregnancy was safe, with a US study last month finding vaccination was not linked to preterm birth or underweight newborns.
In November, data from the UK's Health Safety Agency showed COVID-19 vaccination was safe for pregnant women, not associated with higher complication rates.
To note, the upcoming UK study will enroll around 1,500 women who have tested positive for the virus at any stage of pregnancy. Compared with 3,000 women who were not infected for four months. Oxford scientists say they expect the results of the trial in May.
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