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Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Intravenous Injections in Neonatal Mice
Published on: November 11, 2014
[Vaccination of premature infants, a population at high risk of infection]
Insights
Premature infants can mount effective immune responses to vaccines, but close monitoring for transient cardiorespiratory events is crucial. This review outlines current immunization guidelines for premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Prematurity incidence is rising in Belgium, with infections posing significant risks to infants.
- Infections contribute to morbidity and mortality in premature infants during hospitalization and post-discharge.
- Despite immune system immaturity, premature infants can develop protective responses to most vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current immunization recommendations for premature infants.
- To address concerns regarding vaccine safety in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current vaccination guidelines and studies on premature infant immunization.
- Analysis of risks and benefits of vaccination in premature infants.
Main Results:
- Premature infants demonstrate an ability to develop protective immune responses to vaccines.
- Transient cardiorespiratory events may occur post-vaccination in unstable very low birth weight infants.
- These events are generally transient and without long-term consequences with proper monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Vaccination is recommended for premature infants.
- Close monitoring during and after vaccination is essential for managing potential transient adverse events.
- Adherence to updated immunization schedules is vital for protecting premature infants from infections.
Abstract:
The incidence of prematurity has steadily increased in Belgium these last years, reaching 7,9 % in 2010. Infections remain for these infants an important cause of morbidity and mortality during their hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care units as well as during their first months of life in the community. Despite the immaturity of their immune system, their ability to develop a protective immune response to most vaccines has been established. Instable very low birth weight prematures are at risk cardio- respiratory incidents after vaccine administration, but these incidents are transient and without consequences if they are monitored during and after vaccination. This paper reviews the current recommendations on the immunization of the premature infants.
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