Maternal vaccinations

BACKGROUND: Maternal immunisation, which refers to vaccinations administered during pregnancy, is an integral part of preventive healthcare for pregnant women and infants. With new maternal vaccines in development, the scope of maternal immunisation is expanding. OBJECTIVE: This review focuses on the principles underpinning maternal immunisation, the existing recommendations and maternal vaccines in development, a review of vaccines that may be indicated for pregnant women who wish to travel, and safety data on inadvertent administration of live vaccines to pregnant women. DISCUSSION: Maternal immunisation has the potential to protect women from severe disease (as in the case of influenza) and infants from severe morbidity and mortality (as in the case of pertussis). With other maternal vaccines currently in development, such as vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus and Group B streptococcus, maternal immunisation is playing an increasingly important role in improving maternal and neonatal health.