Vaccines Global Summit

Vaccination during pregnancy is vital for the health of both the mother and her newborn. Maternal immunization enables mothers to pass on immunity to their babies before birth, providing a crucial layer of protection during the early months of life when infants are particularly vulnerable to infections. Following birth, vaccines administered to neonates continue to support their health by protecting against serious diseases.

Vaccines given to pregnant women are carefully selected to mitigate risks for both mother and child. For instance, the pertussis vaccine, often administered as part of the Tdap vaccination during the third trimester, is essential. Pertussis, or whooping cough, poses a significant threat to infants due to its potential to cause severe respiratory complications. By vaccinating the mother, antibodies are transferred to the baby, providing protection until the infant is old enough to receive their own vaccinations.

Another important vaccine for pregnant women is the influenza vaccine. Together with other vaccines, it has significantly reduced serious flu-related complications and hospitalizations among pregnant women during flu seasons. Additionally, maternal immunization helps to drastically decrease the risk of neonatal tetanus, a condition caused by the entry of tetanus bacteria into an infant at the time of birth, particularly in unsanitary conditions. Immunizing mothers with the tetanus toxoid vaccine is crucial in preventing this disease, which remains a danger in some parts of the world.

Neonatal vaccines also provide direct protection against potentially fatal infections. The hepatitis B vaccine, for example, is administered universally within the first 24 hours after birth to combat hepatitis B infection, a leading cause of chronic liver disease. In certain regions, the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis, is given at birth, especially in areas where tuberculosis prevalence is high.

Maternal and neonatal immunization programs are foundational to global health efforts, aiming to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases that newborns may encounter. Ongoing research continues to expand the range of vaccines targeting maternal infections, promising further protection for pregnant women and their children in the future.