Immunization of pregnant women: Future of early infant protection

Abstract

Children in early infancy do not mount effective antibody responses to many vaccines against commons infectious pathogens, which results in a window of increased susceptibility or severity infections. In addition, vaccine-preventable infections are among the leading causes of morbidity in pregnant women. Immunization during pregnancy can generate maternal immune protection as well as elicit the production and transfer of antibodies cross the placenta and via breastfeeding to provide early infant protection. Several successful vaccines are now recommended to all pregnant women worldwide. However, significant gaps exist in our understanding of the efficacy and safety of other vaccines and in women with conditions associated with increased susceptible to high-risk pregnancies. Public acceptance of maternal immunization remained to be improved. Broader success of maternal immunization will rely on the integration of advances in basic science in vaccine design and evaluation and carefully planned clinical trials that are inclusive to pregnant women.

Pregnancy favors circulating IL‐21–secreting TFH‐like cell recovery in ARV‐treated HIV‐1–infected women

“…28 On the other hand, it appears that hormonal changes during pregnancy favor antibody production by activated/memory B cells. 31 In this context, a recent study published by our group demonstrated that pregnancy favors an expansion of functional cT FH cells. 31 In this context, a recent study published by our group demonstrated that pregnancy favors an expansion of functional cT FH cells.…”

Vaccine Update: Recent Progress With Novel Vaccines, and New Approaches to Safety Monitoring and Vaccine Shortage

“…[72][73][74] Protective concentrations of vaccineinduced IgG are transferred across the placenta and can protect infants while they are most vulnerable. 72,73,75,76 IgG transfer from the mother to the fetus can occur from the 13th week of gestation, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester of pregnancy. 75,77,78 Maternal tetanus, inactivated influenza (seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine and monovalent pandemic vaccine), and acellular pertussis vaccines are routinely recommended for pregnant women in several countries.…”

“…72,73,75,76 IgG transfer from the mother to the fetus can occur from the 13th week of gestation, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester of pregnancy. 75,77,78 Maternal tetanus, inactivated influenza (seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine and monovalent pandemic vaccine), and acellular pertussis vaccines are routinely recommended for pregnant women in several countries. 72,73 These programs have demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of immunization in pregnancy programs in high-, middle-, and low-income countries.…”

“…73 Studies have shown that health care provider (HCP) recommendation is the strongest predictor of immunization in pregnancy uptake by pregnant women. 73,75 however, the absence of a specific indication for use during pregnancy on package inserts of licensed vaccines might lead to confusion among HCPs. 72,73 This has been addressed by a modification in the product labeling, which allows for the inclusion of any available data on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines given to pregnant women.…”

Necrotising Enterocolitis - epidemiology and imaging

“…185,227,228 Immunoglobulins are transported over the placenta, beginning as early as gestational week 13, even if the greatest amounts are transferred during the third trimester. 16,228 We speculate that low grade antenatal exposure to bacteria, possibly balanced by a short course of antibiotics, may speed up this process. A meta-analysis from 2013 of treatment of mothers for premature rupture of membranes, found a tendency towards lower risk for NEC with a shorter course of antibiotics.…”