In the News

Covid Infection and Covid Vaccination Both Produce Antibody Response in Breast Milk

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Bridget Young, Ph.D., and Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D., were interviewed by Rochester First about their study published in JAMA Pediatrics. The study found evidence that mothers with two types of immunity from COVID, disease-acquired (those who have contracted COVID and recovered) and mRNA vaccination-acquired, produced breast milk with active SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

• "COVID antibodies found in breast milk of vaccinated, previously-infected mothers," Rochester First
• "New Study Finds Evidence of COVID Antibodies in Breast Milk of Vaccinated Mothers," URMC Newsroom
• “Comparison of human milk antibody induction, persistence, and neutralizing capacity in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection versus mRNA vaccination,” JAMA Pediatrics

John J. Condemi Award

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Dr. Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the University of Rochester Medical Center received the John J. Condemi Award, given to medical professionals who have improved life, health and hope for individuals and families with life-threatening allergies through clinical treatment and new research.

No Evidence Breastfeeding After Vaccination is Anything But Safe

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

AP News debunks some social media misinformation.

Dr. Jessica Stern Awarded the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program

Monday, August 23, 2021

Jessica Stern M.D. M.S. was awarded the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program. This is a two-year award of $120,000, per year, in recognition of outstanding professional achievements and promise as a community-oriented clinical researcher.

Vaccinated Mothers Are Trying to Give Babies Antibodies Via Breast Milk

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Research is too premature for vaccinated mothers who are breastfeeding to act as if their babies can’t get infected, says Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D., the chief of pediatric allergy and immunology and the Founders’ Distinguished Chair in Pediatric Allergy. “There is no direct evidence that the COVID antibodies in breast milk are protecting the infant—only pieces of evidence suggesting that could be the case.”

Can Mother's Milk Help Fight COVID? New Evidence Suggests 'Yes'

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

URMC co-authored study indicates that breastfeeding is safe for COVID positive mothers. The URMC research group is led by Antti Seppo, Ph.D., in the Department of Pediatrics. Other co-investigators include Casey Rosen-Carole. M.D., medical director of lactation services and programs at URMC, and Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo M.D., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.