Protective effect of maternal immunization on birth outcomes: A data linkage study
Ahinsa Gunatilaka1, Daniel L Rolnik1, Michelle L Giles1,2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Summary
Maternal immunization with influenza and pertussis vaccines significantly reduced stillbirth and preterm birth (PTB) respectively. These findings support broader maternal vaccination programs, especially in low-income settings with high adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth (PTB) and stillbirth pose significant global health challenges.
- Maternal immunization is a strategy to protect both mother and fetus from infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of maternal immunization on the incidence of preterm birth and stillbirth.
- To assess the protective effects of influenza and pertussis vaccines during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A data linkage study involving 10,938 vaccinated and 4,029 unvaccinated women delivering singleton babies between January 2017 and May 2021.
- Poisson and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate incidence rates and hazard ratios, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Influenza vaccination was linked to a significant reduction in stillbirth (aHR, 0.55).
- Pertussis vaccination was associated with a significant reduction in preterm birth (aHR, 0.78) and a non-significant reduction in stillbirth (aHR, 0.59).
- Neither vaccine showed a significant impact on the other primary outcome.
Conclusions:
- Maternal immunization demonstrates potential protective effects against adverse pregnancy outcomes beyond direct pathogen prevention.
- Findings support the expansion of maternal immunization programs, particularly in low-income regions facing high rates of PTB and stillbirth.
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