Maternal immunization to protect the mother and neonate

Abstract

The concept of maternal immunization to protect the mother against vaccine-preventable disease and the neonate against illness for the first 3–6 months of life is one that is simple, straightforward and safe. Neonatal immunization is largely unsuccessful due to immaturity of the infant’s immune system. Therefore, appropriate maternal immunization and passive transferred antibodies to the fetus can protect the neonate until infant vaccination is more efficacious.

Keywords::

• DTaP
• hepatitis B
• influenza
• maternal immunization
• passively acquired antibodies
• pertussis