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Published on: July 31, 2021
Preterm infants: immunity and immunisation
Anna Calvert1,2, Emily Shaw3, Christine E Jones4,5
1Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection and Vaccine Institute, City St George's University of London, London, UK a.calvert1@nhs.net.
Insights
Preterm birth impacts infant immunity, affecting responses to vaccines and increasing infectious disease risks. Healthcare professionals and parents need clear information on vaccination for preterm infants, including potential side effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Health
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Preterm birth affects 7-8% of UK pregnancies.
- Preterm infants exhibit altered immunological responses.
- Vaccination in preterm infants raises specific concerns regarding efficacy and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunological consequences of preterm birth.
- To discuss epidemiological differences in infectious diseases in preterm populations.
- To explore immunity following vaccination in preterm infants and during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunological and epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of vaccine response data in preterm infants.
- Examination of concerns regarding vaccine side effects in this population.
Main Results:
- Preterm birth is associated with distinct immunological profiles.
- Infectious disease epidemiology differs in preterm populations.
- Vaccine immunity and side effect profiles require specific consideration for preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Informed decision-making for healthcare professionals and parents is crucial.
- Understanding vaccination nuances in preterm infants is essential for optimal health outcomes.
- Further research may be needed to optimize vaccination strategies for preterm infants.
Abstract:
Preterm birth affects around 7-8% of pregnancies in the UK. There are immunological consequences of preterm birth, epidemiological differences in infectious diseases in the preterm population and differences in immunity after vaccination, both following immunisations received in pregnancy and following vaccines administered to infants themselves. There are also often increased concerns about the side effects experienced by preterm infants following vaccination. It is important that health care professionals and parents are fully informed about the specific issues of vaccination in this group.
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