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Closer and closer? Maternal immunization: current promise, future horizons
Cyril Engmann1,2,3, Jessica A Fleming4, Sadaf Khan5
1Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition, PATH, Seattle, WA, USA. cengmann@path.org.
Summary
Maternal immunization safely protects pregnant women and infants from vaccine-preventable diseases. This review covers current vaccines, new developments, and strategies for safe scale-up.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pregnancy involves complex immunologic changes.
- Maternal immunization protects both mother and infant from infectious diseases.
- Emerging infectious diseases necessitate updated vaccination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of maternal immunization.
- To discuss available and novel vaccines for pregnant women.
- To outline considerations for maternal immunization programs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of maternal immunization.
- Analysis of immunologic processes during pregnancy.
- Evaluation of current and developing vaccines for maternal use.
Main Results:
- Maternal immunization is a safe and effective strategy.
- Understanding pregnancy immunology supports vaccine development.
- New vaccines are expanding options for maternal immunization.
Conclusions:
- Maternal immunization is crucial for reducing disease burden.
- Continued research and safe scale-up are essential.
- A framework is provided for clinical practice and policy.