A recent study supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that premature babies hospitalized have an increased risk of apnea (pauses in breathing) after their routine vaccinations at two months. Although these episodes are more frequent, researchers emphasize that they remain harmless when managed under medical supervision.
A temporary increase in the risk of apnea
The study, published in JAMA Pediatricsanalyzed the cases of more than 200 premature infants born before 33 weeks. The results show that vaccinated babies are 2.7 times more likely to experience apnea episodes compared to unvaccinated babies. However, these episodes were brief, with an average duration of 28 seconds for the vaccinated, compared to 33 seconds for the unvaccinated, a difference considered insignificant by the researchers.
According to Dr. Rachel G. Greenberg, lead author of the study:
“Although the risk of apnea temporarily increases after vaccination, it remains much lower than that of serious vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as whooping cough or pneumonia. »
Results consistent with previous studies
This research supports previous data indicating that premature infants, particularly those already treated for apnea episodes, may experience pauses in breathing after vaccines. The vaccinations studied included protection against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and meningitis.
Hospitalized infants, often treated with caffeine to prevent apnea, could benefit from this therapy to reduce post-vaccination respiratory stress.
Premature babies, due to their immature immune systems, are particularly at risk of serious infections. The CDC points out that they do not benefit fully from the immunity passed down from their mothers, making them more vulnerable to illnesses like whooping cough and pneumonia, which can also cause life-threatening apnea.
-Experts believe the benefits of vaccines outweigh the potential risks. As Dr. Greenberg stated:
“Current vaccination recommendations for premature infants are appropriate. It is essential to inform parents about what to expect after vaccinations administered in the hospital. »
Diverging opinions on early vaccination
Some voices are calling for a more thorough assessment of risks and benefits. She points out that in strictly controlled hospital environments, the risk of exposure to diseases like whooping cough or tetanus is low. This could justify a postponement of non-essential vaccines until more advanced physiological maturity.
Others, like researcher James Lyons-Weiler, suggest that for babies with respiratory or cardiac episodes after vaccines, a delay might be a safer route. However, the CDC warns against vaccination delays, citing data showing that hospitalized premature babies are often undervaccinated upon discharge, which can lead to insufficient vaccination coverage during childhood.
This study highlights a temporary risk of apnea after vaccination in hospitalized premature infants, while reaffirming the importance of protecting these vulnerable infants against serious illnesses. Clinicians must continue to guide parents and assess each case individually to ensure the safety and well-being of babies.
