Large Study Finds No Link Between mRNA COVID Vaccine in Pregnancy and Autism

New research provides reassurance to expectant mothers about the long-term health impacts of maternal vaccination.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A recent study tracking over 400 toddlers found that receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during or shortly before pregnancy is not linked to autism or other developmental disorders in children. Researchers from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network conducted a comprehensive assessment of neurodevelopmental outcomes, providing valuable data to address parental concerns.

Why it matters

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and the rapid development of vaccines was met with both hope and hesitation. For pregnant individuals, the decision to vaccinate often involved weighing potential risks and benefits. This study directly addresses concerns about the potential impact of mRNA vaccines on a child's neurodevelopment, offering reassurance to expectant mothers.

The details

Researchers conducted a prospective, multi-center observational study between May 2024 and March 2025, involving 434 children aged 18 to 30 months. Half of the children were born to mothers who had received at least one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy or within 30 days prior, while the other half served as a control group. The study utilized various developmental assessment tools to evaluate progress in communication, gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving, and social interaction.

  • The study was conducted between May 2024 and March 2025.
  • The children involved in the study were aged 18 to 30 months.

The players

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network

A research network funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which conducted the study.

Dr. George R. Saade

Senior researcher and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Old Dominion University.

Dr. Brenna L. Hughes

Researcher from Duke University, who emphasized the rigor of the study.

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What they’re saying

“Neurodevelopment 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.”

— Dr. George R. Saade, Senior researcher and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Old Dominion University (PREGNANCY)

“This study directly addresses concerns about the potential impact of mRNA vaccines on a child's neurodevelopment, offering reassurance to expectant mothers.”

— Dr. Brenna L. Hughes, Researcher from Duke University (PREGNANCY)

What’s next

Future studies will likely focus on longer-term follow-up, evaluating the impact of variant-specific vaccines, and investigating potential links between maternal vaccination and other childhood health conditions.

The takeaway

This study provides valuable data to address parental concerns about the potential impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on a child's neurodevelopment, offering reassurance to expectant mothers and highlighting the importance of maternal vaccination to protect maternal and infant health.