Maternal Immunization

Immunization during pregnancy with currently recommended vaccines prevents infection in the mother, the unborn fetus, and the young infant, and there is an increasing focus from different stakeholders to use this approach for other infections of importance to protect these vulnerable groups. The aim of this Maternal Immunization book is to provide a contemporary overview of vaccines used in pregnancy (and the lactation period), with emphasis on aspects of importance for the target groups, namely, rationale for the use of vaccines in pregnancy, safety, immunogenicity (immunology), timing to vaccinate, repeat doses, protective effects in the mother, fetus, and infant, and public acceptance and implementation, of existing and of future vaccines. - Provides an overview of a quickly evolving topic. This will benefit the reader who wishes to rapidly become informed and up-to-date with new developments in this field - Suitable to a broad audience: scientific researchers, obstetricians, gynecologists, neonatologists, vaccinators, pediatricians, students, and industry. Maternal vaccination impacts a wide range of specialists - Allows health care professionals/researchers to gain insight into other aspects of vaccination in pregnancy outside of their specialism - Is coauthored by specialists from multiple disciplines, providing a diverse view of the subject, increasing its interest and appeal - Creates awareness of the current developments in this area of medicine and of the potential of maternal vaccination to improve the health of mothers and infants worldwide