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Maternal immunization: A call to accelerate progress
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Maternal immunization provides an excellent
evidence-based strategy for preventing severe disease and
decreasing neonatal and infant mortality. A substantial
proportion of these deaths are due to infectious diseases, most
of them vaccine-preventable, then, there is a real opportunity
for intervention. Maternal immunization has been an
underexploited area for many years, with the exception of
neonatal tetanus. There are now programs for influenza and
acellular pertussis vaccination in many countries and two
maternal vaccine targets under development are focused on
decreasing the burden of infant respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Bodies like the Strategic
Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization established by
the WHO, the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) and Gavi, The
Vaccine Alliance, have recognized the relevance of maternal
immunization on several occasions. However, why is the field not
moving faster, as one might expect? Major initiatives and
programs should consider spelling out more clearly the role and
benefits of this intervention and calling for specific actions,
including future strategic approaches for the post 2020
immunization strategy following the GVAP; and single out the
area as one of its priorities as a key component of immunization
across the life course. While waiting for the new vaccines like
RSV and GBS and optimizing the use of influenza and pertussis
there is momentum now to coordinate efforts, address the missing
information and action gaps, and call to accelerate progress.
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BARDAJÍ, Azucena, et al. Maternal immunization: A call to accelerate progress. Vaccine. 2019. Vol. 37, num. 22, pags. 2882-2883. ISSN 0264-410X. [consulted: 11 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/135341