When a pregnant person receives a vaccine during pregnancy, the antibodies they produce pass to the baby through the placenta. When a lactating person receives a vaccine, the antibodies they produce pass through to the baby through the breastmilk. While a mother’s antibodies are present in newborns, doctors don’t yet know if they’re enough. “We know the antibodies are there, we know they likely serve a really important role. But how much you actually need to protect a baby is unknown. That’s one of the goals of my research,” Dr. Rick says. This is why it’s still so important to take extra precautions around newborns. When it comes to flu and COVID-19, the best protection for infants during the first six months of life is for their mother to be vaccinated and ideally providing breastmilk to their baby. But once infants are eligible for their own flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the best protection is for the child to be vaccinated. “Although maternal vaccination and breastfeeding are key ways that parents can help protect their infants during the first few months of life, babies still remain vulnerable ” Dr. Rick says. “Even if mom is immunized, it is important that all children receive their own vaccines as soon as they become eligible to gain primary protection that is more robust and will last longer.”