|
1
|
Santilli V, Sgrulletti M, Costagliola G, Beni A, Mastrototaro MF, Montin D, Rizzo C, Martire B, Miraglia del Giudice M, Moschese V. Maternal Immunization: Current Evidence, Progress, and Challenges. Vaccines (Basel) 2025; 13:450. [PMID: 40432062 PMCID: PMC12115776 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines13050450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2025] [Revised: 04/07/2025] [Accepted: 04/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Maternal immunization is a key strategy for protecting pregnant individuals and newborns from infectious diseases. This review examines the mechanisms and benefits of maternal immunization, with a focus on transplacental IgG transfer and immune system interactions. We provide an overview of current recommendations and the safety and efficacy profiles of maternal vaccines, including influenza, tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and hepatitis B. Additionally, we analyze the barriers to maternal immunization, such as misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and disparities in healthcare access, while exploring potential strategies to overcome these challenges through targeted educational initiatives, improved provider communication, and policy-driven interventions aimed at increasing vaccine confidence and accessibility. Finally, this review highlights recent innovations and future directions in maternal immunization, including emerging vaccines for Group B Streptococcus and cytomegalovirus. Expanding immunization programs and advancing research on maternal-fetal immunity are essential to optimizing vaccination strategies, improving public health outcomes, and reducing the global burden of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Santilli
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Mayla Sgrulletti
- Pediatric Immunopathology and Allergology Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Giorgio Costagliola
- Section of Pediatric Hematologyand Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Beni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria Felicia Mastrototaro
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Maternal-Infant Department, “Monsignor A.R. Dimiccoli” Hospital, 70051 Barletta, Italy; (M.F.M.); (B.M.)
| | - Davide Montin
- Division of Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, “Regina Margherita” Children Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Caterina Rizzo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Baldassarre Martire
- Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Maternal-Infant Department, “Monsignor A.R. Dimiccoli” Hospital, 70051 Barletta, Italy; (M.F.M.); (B.M.)
| | - Michele Miraglia del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Viviana Moschese
- Pediatric Immunopathology and Allergology Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (V.M.)
| |
Collapse
|