Should Vaccines Be Given Before Birth? Maternal Immunization and Infant Protection: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Maternal RSV Vaccination During Pregnancy
Faculty Mentor
Denise Chung
Major/Area of Research
Pharm.D., Clinical Pharmacy, Public Health
Description
INTRODUCTION: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants, particularly during the first months of life when immune defenses remain immature. Since infants are highly vulnerable to severe RSV infection and are not immediately eligible for direct vaccination, maternal immunization during pregnancy has become an important preventive strategy in modern medicine. Maternal RSV vaccination during late pregnancy promotes placental transfer of protective antibodies, providing passive immunity that may reduce early infant respiratory complications.
METHOD: This project will use a comparative literature review of recent peer-reviewed clinical studies and vaccine trial findings related to maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy. Sources were selected based on relevance to infant outcomes during the first six months after birth, with emphasis on severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness, hospitalization rates, and evidence of maternal antibody transfer. Findings across studies will be compared to evaluate how vaccine effectiveness is measured in current research.
RESULTS: Current evidence consistently shows that maternal RSV vaccination is associated with a reduction in severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract illness in infants during early infancy. Multiple studies also report lower hospitalization rates among infants born to vaccinated mothers, along with measurable placental transfer of RSV-specific antibodies that support infant immune protection after birth.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Maternal RSV vaccination demonstrates significant clinical value as an early preventive intervention that protects infants before direct immunization is possible. These findings highlight the role of maternal vaccine counseling in preventive healthcare and support the broader use of maternal immunization strategies to improve infant respiratory health outcomes.
Should Vaccines Be Given Before Birth? Maternal Immunization and Infant Protection: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Maternal RSV Vaccination During Pregnancy
INTRODUCTION: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants, particularly during the first months of life when immune defenses remain immature. Since infants are highly vulnerable to severe RSV infection and are not immediately eligible for direct vaccination, maternal immunization during pregnancy has become an important preventive strategy in modern medicine. Maternal RSV vaccination during late pregnancy promotes placental transfer of protective antibodies, providing passive immunity that may reduce early infant respiratory complications.
METHOD: This project will use a comparative literature review of recent peer-reviewed clinical studies and vaccine trial findings related to maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy. Sources were selected based on relevance to infant outcomes during the first six months after birth, with emphasis on severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract illness, hospitalization rates, and evidence of maternal antibody transfer. Findings across studies will be compared to evaluate how vaccine effectiveness is measured in current research.
RESULTS: Current evidence consistently shows that maternal RSV vaccination is associated with a reduction in severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract illness in infants during early infancy. Multiple studies also report lower hospitalization rates among infants born to vaccinated mothers, along with measurable placental transfer of RSV-specific antibodies that support infant immune protection after birth.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Maternal RSV vaccination demonstrates significant clinical value as an early preventive intervention that protects infants before direct immunization is possible. These findings highlight the role of maternal vaccine counseling in preventive healthcare and support the broader use of maternal immunization strategies to improve infant respiratory health outcomes.