Immunisation of the preterm baby

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Immunology
• Neonatology

Background:

• Preterm infants may have altered immune responses to vaccinations.
• Standard infant immunization schedules are typically designed for full-term infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the immune response of preterm infants to routine childhood immunizations.
• To determine if gestational age affects vaccine response in preterm infants.
• To assess the need for modified immunization schedules in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• 69 preterm infants were grouped by gestational age (<32 weeks and 32-35 weeks).
• Infants received diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and oral poliomyelitis vaccines on one of three schedules.
• Antibody levels were measured before vaccination, after the third dose, at 19 months, and in some cases, at 4-5 years.

Main Results:

• All preterm infants achieved adequate immunity to the four infections after the third vaccine dose and at 19 months, irrespective of gestational age.
• Antibody persistence was observed before the pre-school booster, with an enhanced response post-booster.
• No significant differences in antibody response were noted based on gestational age.

Conclusions:

• Preterm infants mount an adequate immune response to routine childhood immunizations.
• Standard immunization schedules can be applied to preterm infants without modification.
• Prematurity does not require a correction in the initiation of routine infant vaccinations.