Uptake low despite positive data
Dr. Edwards noted that, despite positive data supporting maternal vaccination to reduce pertussis, uptake rates are low – between 50% and 60% in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. “Active engagement to increase these rates should be implemented.”
Maternal vaccination might also be implemented soon to protect against other diseases including respiratory syncytial virus and group B streptococcal disease after promising study data, she said.
As with pertussis, the potential “blunting” effect will need to be carefully monitored, she said, “as was done in the carefully conducted study of pertussis reported in this issue of Pediatrics.”
One coauthor has received institutional honoraria for participation in advisory groups for Merck Sharpe & Dohme and Pfizer unrelated to this work. Another coauthor was supported by scholarships provided by the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Disease at the Telethon Kids Institute. Dr. Edwards reported receiving grants from the CDC and consulting for Bionet, Dynavax, and IBM. She is a member of the data safety and monitoring board for Sanofi, X-4 Pharma, Seqirus, Moderna, Pfizer, Merck, Roche, Novavax, and Brighton Collaboration.