EClinicalMedicine

COVID-19 vaccination tied to lower preeclampsia risk in pregnancy

February 20, 2026

In the multinational INTERCOVID cohort of 6,527 pregnant women, COVID-19 vaccination—particularly with a booster—was associated with reduced odds of preeclampsia, including a 33% decrease overall and 42% among those with preexisting conditions. SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with increased preeclampsia risk, especially in unvaccinated women. Booster‑vaccinated patients also had lower odds of preterm birth and maternal and perinatal morbidity. Authors note that benefits appear to extend beyond infection prevention, suggesting potential modulation of immune or vascular pathways relevant to preeclampsia.

Clinical takeaway: COVID-19 vaccination, especially with a booster dose, may offer added protection against preeclampsia and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Source:

(2026, February 18). EClinicalMedicine. COVID-19 Vaccination Status During Pregnancy and Preeclampsia Risk: The Pandemic-Era Cohort of the INTERCOVID Consortium. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(26)00032-5/fulltext