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Published on: July 31, 2021
Immunization of pregnant women: Future of early infant protection
Azure N Faucette1,2, Michael D Pawlitz1,2, Bo Pei1,2
1a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology ; Wayne State University ; Detroit , MI USA.
Insights
Maternal immunization offers protection for both mothers and infants against infectious diseases. Further research and public acceptance are crucial for expanding its benefits to more pregnant women and high-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Infants have limited antibody responses, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Vaccine-preventable diseases pose significant risks to pregnant women's health.
- Maternal immunization can protect mothers and transfer immunity to infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and future directions of maternal immunization.
- To identify gaps in knowledge regarding vaccine efficacy and safety in pregnant women.
- To address challenges in public acceptance and clinical trial inclusivity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on maternal vaccines.
- Analysis of current recommendations and guidelines for maternal immunization.
- Discussion of scientific advancements and clinical trial considerations.
Main Results:
- Several vaccines are successfully recommended for pregnant women globally.
- Gaps remain in understanding vaccine efficacy and safety for certain populations.
- Public acceptance and inclusive clinical trials are key challenges.
Conclusions:
- Maternal immunization is a vital strategy for protecting maternal and infant health.
- Further research is needed to expand vaccine options and address safety concerns.
- Integrating scientific advances and improving trial design are essential for broader success.
Abstract:
Children in early infancy do not mount effective antibody responses to many vaccines against commons infectious pathogens, which results in a window of increased susceptibility or severity infections. In addition, vaccine-preventable infections are among the leading causes of morbidity in pregnant women. Immunization during pregnancy can generate maternal immune protection as well as elicit the production and transfer of antibodies cross the placenta and via breastfeeding to provide early infant protection. Several successful vaccines are now recommended to all pregnant women worldwide. However, significant gaps exist in our understanding of the efficacy and safety of other vaccines and in women with conditions associated with increased susceptible to high-risk pregnancies. Public acceptance of maternal immunization remained to be improved. Broader success of maternal immunization will rely on the integration of advances in basic science in vaccine design and evaluation and carefully planned clinical trials that are inclusive to pregnant women.
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