Investigating the effects of prenatal COVID-19 exposure and vaccination on child development

The longer-term impact of prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the COVID-19 vaccine on behavior, cognition, and brain functioning in the child

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10857242

This study is looking at how being exposed to COVID-19 during pregnancy, either through infection or vaccination, might affect how children think, behave, and develop as they grow up, so we can better understand any long-term effects on their development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10857242 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines how prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination affects children's behavior, cognition, and brain functioning. It aims to create a well-characterized birth cohort to assess the long-term impacts of these exposures on child development. By analyzing data from pregnant individuals and their children, the study seeks to understand potential risks associated with prenatal COVID-19 experiences. The research will involve monitoring children's development over time to identify any neurodevelopmental deviations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant individuals who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or received the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose pregnancies occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the long-term effects of prenatal COVID-19 exposure and vaccination, guiding future healthcare decisions for pregnant individuals and their children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown associations between maternal viral infections and neurodevelopmental issues in offspring, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.