03/10/2026
So very sad 😢
🚨 A recent peer-reviewed study published in PLOS One (March 2026) has raised important questions about the persistence and biodistribution of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in human placental tissue following COVID-19 vaccination or infection.
The research, titled "Detection of spike protein in term placentas of COVID-19 vaccinated and/or SARS-CoV-2 infected women," analyzed 106 term placentas using immunohistochemistry to detect spike protein, along with RNAscope in situ hybridization to identify vaccine-derived mRNA sequences (specific to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna formulations).
📊 Key findings include:
• Spike protein was detected in 29% of all placentas examined (31 out of 106 samples).
• In placentas from vaccinated mothers with no documented COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, spike protein was present in 37% of cases (11 out of 30).
• By comparison, in placentas from unvaccinated mothers who had COVID-19 during pregnancy, spike protein appeared in 21% (3 out of 14).
• Among spike-positive placentas overall, 77% showed localization of the protein within Hofbauer cells—fetal-derived immune macrophages in the placenta.
• Spike protein was also identified in trophoblast cells (the outer layer of the placenta) and endothelial cells lining fetal capillaries and villous structures, indicating presence on the fetal side of the placental barrier.
📊 In a subset of nine spike-positive placentas further analyzed with RNAscope:
• No viral (SARS-CoV-2) RNA was detected.
• However, vaccine-specific mRNA sequences were identified in two cases, including in endothelial cells of placental villous capillaries.
• Notably, at least one instance involved a mother vaccinated with Moderna prior to pregnancy, with no infection during gestation, suggesting possible long-term persistence or transfer of vaccine components.
The authors interpret these results as evidence of transplacental passage of vaccine-derived materials, consistent with earlier animal studies (e.g., in pregnant mice where mRNA-1273 crossed the placenta rapidly and led to fetal expression of spike protein).
The article discussing this study highlights potential implications for fetal development and notes a reported reversal in the long-term decline of infant mortality rates beginning in 2021, coinciding with widespread vaccination of women of reproductive age.
It emphasizes that while the biological significance of these findings remains under investigation, they warrant further scrutiny regarding the long-term effects of in utero exposure to vaccine-induced spike protein.
This research adds to an evolving body of evidence on COVID-19 vaccine biodistribution and placental interactions.
Prior studies have shown minimal mRNA uptake in placental explants or no detectable mRNA products in cord blood at delivery in many cases, while others have documented efficient transfer of protective maternal antibodies.
Ongoing investigation is essential to fully understand these observations in the context of maternal and fetal health outcomes.
