ABSTRACT
PREGNANCY AND VACCINE-PREVENTABLE DISEASES Pregnancy is an important part of the life cycle when certain infections can play a particularly destructive role. Pregnancy creates a relative immune suppression, which places a woman at greater risk of complications from illnesses such as influenza and varicella. Likewise, maternal infections with such viruses as varicella and rubella can cause a spectrum of fetal effects including congenital anomalies, fetal morbidities, and even fetal death. Finally, neonates are highly susceptible to complications from vaccine-preventable diseases at a time when they do not receive full protection from vaccination themselves. By immunizing close contacts of a newborn, the risk of exposure is reduced, a strategy known as “cocooning.” Maternal vaccination also provides protection of the neonate through passive immunization, in which maternal antibodies (IgG) are transmitted transplacentally, particularly in the last four to six weeks of gestation (2). An additional benefit may occur with the passage of antibodies (IgA) via breast milk.
