Association Between Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy and Infant Influenza Vaccination

Abstract

(Obstet Gynecol. 2023;141:563–569) Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing illness, including in mildly immunosuppressed individuals such as pregnant women. Influenza vaccines have been in use for decades and have been shown to be safe and effective at preventing illness in both mother and child, providing protection through the transplacental transfer of antibodies to infants too young to receive their own vaccination. Influenza presents increased risks to pregnant individuals as well as adverse outcomes for fetuses and infants. Annual influenza vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, but rates of annual vaccinations are chronically low. This study was designed to evaluate the association between influenza vaccination during pregnancy and infant influenza vaccination.