By Mariah Taylor

The COVID-19 vaccine and its booster can reduce the odds of preeclampsia by 30%, and as much as 58% in those with preexisting morbidities, a recent study found.

The study, published Feb. 18, used health records from 6,427 women enrolled in two INTERCOVID studies from 40 hospitals in 18 countries between 2020 and 2022. Participants enrolled at anytime during pregnancy or childbirth.

The study found an association between COVID-19 infection and preeclampsia, with an increased risk of 45% for those vaccinated during the pandemic, and 78% among unvaccinated women.

In the study, 2,166 women were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 330, or 5.1%, were diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Researchers found that the COVID vaccine reduced the odds of preeclampsia by at least 30%, compared to other interventions such as aspirin, which reduce odds by between 10% and 20%.