Pregnancy Complications
Infant- and Family-Centered Developmental Care
Respiratory Infections
Neonatal Eye Health
Hygiene
Rare Diseases
Maternal and neonatal immunization is a key strategy to protect infants in their earliest months of life. In Latin America, preventable infectious diseases still contribute to illness and death among newborns and pregnant women. This article summarizes findings from a scientific symposium held in Costa Rica that reviewed research gaps and implementation challenges in maternal and neonatal immunization. The paper reflects expert discussions from multiple Latin American countries rather than a single clinical trial. It is written for parents of preterm infants and neonatal nurses who want to understand how immunization systems can better protect newborns. Overall, the study highlights strong benefits of maternal immunization but also points to important gaps in coverage, research, and access across the region.
Maternal immunization allows protective antibodies to pass from the mother to the infant before birth. This is especially important during the first months of life, when infants are most vulnerable to severe infections. In Latin America, maternal and neonatal immunization programs have helped eliminate diseases such as maternal and neonatal tetanus and congenital rubella. Despite these successes, vaccination coverage during pregnancy remains uneven between countries and communities.
The paper summarizes discussions from a regional scientific symposium that brought together public health and medical experts. The goal was to identify gaps and opportunities for maternal and neonatal immunization research and implementation in Latin America. Experts reviewed existing programs, research capacity, and barriers to vaccine uptake. The discussions focused on how to improve protection for mothers and newborns using existing and future vaccines.
The study found that access to vaccines during pregnancy varies widely across Latin America. Some countries report high coverage, while others struggle with limited infrastructure and surveillance systems. Concerns about vaccine safety, misinformation, and lack of awareness among pregnant women also reduce uptake. Experts emphasized that local data on disease burden and vaccine safety are often missing, making it harder to design effective programs. These gaps limit the full potential of maternal immunization to protect newborns.
Additional findings highlighted challenges in integrating immunization into routine prenatal care. In some settings, maternal health services and vaccination programs operate separately. This leads to missed opportunities for vaccination during pregnancy. The paper also notes that indigenous and rural populations are underrepresented in research, leaving important equity gaps in maternal and neonatal immunization efforts.
For parents of preterm infants and neonatal nurses, the findings underline the importance of discussing vaccination during pregnancy as part of routine care. Stronger integration between prenatal care and immunization services could help ensure infants receive early protection. Health professionals play a key role in addressing concerns, providing clear information, and building trust. The study also points to the need for continued research and surveillance to support safe and effective immunization programs.
Improving maternal and neonatal immunization can help reduce preventable infections in newborns across Latin America. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with their neonatal care team about recommended vaccines during pregnancy. Sharing reliable information and supporting equitable access are essential next steps.
Paper available at:The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Full list of authors: Sáfadi, M.A.P.; Asturias, E.J.; Colomar, M.; Gentile, A.; Miranda, J.; Sáez-Llorens, X.; Torres, J.P.; Ulloa Gutierrez, R.; Avila-Agüero, M.L.; Munoz, F.M.
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004693
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