What to Know About Maternal Vaccines This Respiratory Season

For pregnant people, maternal vaccines are critical to prenatal care and help protect infants during their first few months of life when newborns are vulnerable to infectious respiratory diseases. As we approach the 2024-2025 respiratory illness season, four vaccines are available to help protect infants, including newly available prevention options. Yet, despite the important role of vaccines during pregnancy, rates of maternal vaccine uptake remain suboptimal.

To further this discussion, Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP) hosted a conversation on current maternal vaccine guidance, including the maternal RSV vaccine, and potential solutions to address barriers that can impact access to recommended vaccines. The discussion featured provider perspectives across the healthcare continuum and addressed what individuals and organizations can do to help promote maternal vaccination.

Panelists included:

• Pragna Patel, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Haywood Brown, MD, Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs, Morsani College of Medicine and Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of South Florida; Former President, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• Michelle Fiscus, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer, Association of Immunization Managers (AIM)
• Allison Hill, PharmD, RPh, Director, Practice Implementation & Professional Affairs, American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
• Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen and CVEEP Convener (moderator)