Primary Care and General Pediatrics

Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases are responsible for significant maternal, neonatal, and young infant morbidity and mortality. Changes in the immune response in pregnant women – which are thought to occur in order to allow the woman to tolerate the semi-allogeneic foetus – may interfere with the development of the specific immune response to pathogens. These immunological changes may alter the susceptibility of the woman and the foetus to certain infectious diseases (1) and increase the risk of more serious outcomes. 

 All women of reproductive age should get the recommended immunizations. Any immunizations prior to pregnancy are recommended, this includes all childhood and adolescents immunizations.

 

Maternal immunization provides important health benefits for pregnant women and their infants. Pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk for influenza-related complications, including premature labor and preterm birth. Additionally, pertussis outbreaks continue to occur in the United States with infants at highest risk of severe illness, including hospitalization and death. However, immuniza¬tion coverage among pregnant women is suboptimal. Clients report concerns for the safety of vaccines and not receiving vaccine recommendations at healthcare provider visits.

Department of Health and Human services recommendation includes Assess the immunization status of each patient, Recommend the indicated vaccines to each patient, Administer any necessary vaccines or, if you do not stock the vaccine, refer the patient to a provider or location that can vaccinate the patient, Document the vaccinations that your patient is given, ideally in your state or local immunization registry.  

 

Strategies include Maximize obstetrical care provider recommendation and administration of recommended maternal immunizations; enhance communication to address the safety and effectiveness of immunizations during pregnancy, focus efforts to improve financing for immunization services during pregnancy, postpartum etc. 

 

Health care providers play a crucial role in helping keep pregnant women and their newborns healthy. Assuring your patients are protected by recommended vaccines is key.