UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine will be participating in a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases study to examine the immune response to COVID-19 among pregnant people and babies.

The study, called MOMI-VAX, will look at the development of antibodies in pregnant people who have already gotten the COVID vaccine, as well as assess the transfer of antibodies through breastmilk.

UPMC plans to enroll up to 750 pregnant and 250 postpartum people within two months of delivery who have received, or will receive, one of the three COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States.

Study participants and their children will provide blood samples to assess and measure vaccine-induced antibodies and the transfer of these antibodies across the placenta for a year after delivery. Additionally, lactating individuals will provide breast milk samples to evaluate the potential protection against COVID-19 to breastfed babies.

“While we firmly believe the COVID-19 vaccines are very safe for pregnant and postpartum individuals, we need more robust data to better understand vaccination specifics and durability against COVID-19 in this population, as well as its impact on their babies,” Dr. Richard Beigi, principal investigator of the study, said in a statement. “Results from this trial will provide more science-based guidelines, leading to much clearer protocols and advice.”

Inspired Hearts and Hands' is hosting SummerFest 2021 for the families of Emily Brittain Community Partnership and Demonstration School and Broad Street Elementary School from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Broad Street Elementary.The event will have carnival games and food, and a shop offering free clothing, household essentials and take-home meal boxes. Attendees can meet with and sign up for various local assistance groups and fall activity programs.The event is open to all students and families of these two schools to celebrate summer as well as prepare for the upcoming school year.

The Waters of Wexford senior living community is having a community carnival from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at 210 Fowler Road, Warrendale, PA 15086.There will be a dunk tank, dance performances, a bounce house, a magician and free car seat checks, as well as fair food.The Bridge City Brinery Food Truck will be on site, and there will be balloon and caricature artists. The Northern Regional Police Department, Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department, and the McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority will bring vehicles for a Touch the Truck event for children.The event is free for all ages.

Representatives Rob Mercuri, R-Allegheny, and Lori Mizgorski, R-Allegheny, co-hosted a panel consisting of education, innovation and economic growth leaders who discussed how the Pennsylvania economy could reach its peak post-COVID-19.The panel was held at the Chatham University's Eden Hall Campus in Gibsonia, where the panelists discussed workforce development focused on blue collar jobs adapting to technology, reform of Pennsylvania's uncompetitive tax structure and implementing policies that would attract business and expansion.

Parking will be restricted Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on nine streets in Butler for street cleaning.The streets are Rockway, Zeigler, Hettie, Tacoma, Wyoma, Woodland and Whippo avenues, and S. Monroe and Hickory streets.