Russia's Gamaleya Chief Confirms COVID-19 Antibodies Transmit From Mothers to Babies

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Coronavirus antibodies can be transferred via the placenta of pregnant women to their newborns, Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya Institute that developed the Sputnik V vaccine, said in an interview with Sputnik.

"Antibodies can transmit through the placenta. A certain type of antibodies can be transferred, and that is great that nature has made such a provision", Gintsburg said.

Last month, the American media suggested that the first baby in the world was born with COVID-19 antibodies after her mom (a health worker) received a coronavirus vaccine during pregnancy. According to the WPBF, the baby girl was born in late January in Palm Beach County, Florida.

 

Vial labelled "Sputnik V coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine" placed on displayed Sputnik V logo is seen in this illustration picture taken March 24, 2021.

© REUTERS / DADO RUVIC

 

In the meantime, Israeli medics also conducted a study, vaccinating 20 pregnant women, which showed they could easily pass acquired immunity against the virus to their babies.