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Pertussis and influenza immunisation during pregnancy: a landscape review
Bahaa Abu Raya1, Kathryn M Edwards2, David W Scheifele1
1Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Insights
Maternal immunisation using tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) and influenza vaccines offers protection for mothers and infants. Ongoing research is crucial to address remaining knowledge gaps for these important pregnancy vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Maternal immunisation is an emerging strategy primarily involving tetanus, pertussis, and influenza vaccines.
- These vaccines, though not developed for pregnancy, effectively protect mothers and infants.
- Increased pertussis and influenza risks in infants have led to recommendations for maternal vaccination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence for maternal immunisation against pertussis and influenza.
- To identify existing knowledge gaps regarding the safety and efficacy of these vaccines in pregnancy.
- To highlight areas for future research in maternal immunisation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific evidence supporting maternal immunisation.
- Analysis of recommendations from various countries regarding pertussis and influenza vaccination during pregnancy.
- Identification of knowledge gaps based on current scientific understanding.
Main Results:
- Scientific evidence supporting maternal immunisation against pertussis and influenza is growing.
- Several countries have adopted universal maternal Tdap vaccination due to infant pertussis concerns.
- Influenza immunisation in pregnancy is widely recommended to protect mothers and infants.
Conclusions:
- Maternal immunisation against pertussis and influenza is increasingly supported by scientific evidence.
- Despite accumulating data, significant knowledge gaps persist.
- Future research is essential to further inform and optimize maternal immunisation strategies.
Abstract:
Immunisation during pregnancy is a relatively new strategy, and is currently limited to tetanus, pertussis, and influenza vaccines. None of these vaccines were developed specifically for use in pregnancy, but they provide an effective method of protecting mothers and young infants. In response to increases in pertussis morbidity and mortality among young infants, several countries have recommended universal tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis immunisation during pregnancy. Similarly, many countries recommend influenza immunisation during pregnancy to reduce the risk of disease for mother and infant. Although scientific evidence to support maternal immunisation against pertussis and influenza is rapidly accumulating, important knowledge gaps remain that need to be addressed by future research, which we have highlighted in this Series paper.
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