Benefits to mother and child of influenza vaccination during pregnancy

Abstract

Influenza virus infection contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality globally. Included in the list of groups at higher risk of either influenza infection or severe complications following influenza infection are pregnant women and their newborns. Influenza vaccination offers a safe and effective means to prevent or lessen the severity of influenza infections. Recent research has helped elucidate the impact of influenza infection and vaccination on pregnant women and their newborn children and young infants. This review summarizes recent findings in this area and identifies additional gaps in the evidence base that need to be addressed to appropriately inform vaccination policies worldwide, to protect pregnant women and their children from influenza and related complications.