Maternal Vaccination Key to Protecting Babies from RSV – Researchers

Researchers have identified antenatal care (ANC) clinics as the most effective platform for delivering maternal vaccines that protect newborns from serious respiratory infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The finding comes from a year-long study titled Maternal Immunisation Optimisation, conducted by the School of Public Health at the University of Ghana with support from the global health organisation PATH. The study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using antenatal care services to deliver new maternal vaccines.

Mr Boetang Bannerman, a member of the research team, explained at a dissemination meeting that the study examined how vaccines designed to protect pregnant women and their unborn babies could be safely delivered through Ghana’s health system.

He noted that infections affecting newborns, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS), could be prevented if expectant mothers received appropriate vaccines during pregnancy.

“Some conditions that affect babies can actually be prevented if the pregnant mother is protected,” he said. “RSV and GBS are two key diseases that can lead to serious infections and respiratory complications in infants.”

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe illness in babies and young children. The study estimates that about 22 to 26 per cent of pregnant women in Ghana may have been exposed to the virus. GBS, although usually harmless in adults, is carried by 10 to 30 per cent of people and can cause life-threatening infections in newborns, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

Mr Bannerman warned that infections contracted during pregnancy may not be detected at birth but could later result in severe respiratory illness or even death among infants.

The study found that ANC services already provide a strong foundation for maternal immunisation, as vaccines such as tetanus toxoid are routinely administered during antenatal visits. Integrating newer vaccines, including the recently available RSV vaccine, into these services could significantly improve access and uptake.

“When a woman attends antenatal care, she already receives vaccines such as tetanus toxoid. That same platform can effectively deliver maternal vaccines like the RSV vaccine,” he explained.

However, researchers stressed that improving antenatal attendance would be critical to the success of such programmes. They called for intensified public education to encourage early and regular ANC visits.

Mr Bannerman added that Ghana already had access to the RSV vaccine and relevant data, urging the government to introduce it into antenatal services to help prevent infant infections and deaths.

“It is possible for us to administer RSV and GBS vaccines to pregnant women in the third trimester through antenatal care. Although implementation has not yet begun, we will continue to advocate for these vaccines to be made available so that mothers and their babies are protected,” he said.

Mr. John Bawa, Country Manager of PATH, emphasised that vaccinating pregnant women could significantly reduce infant illness and deaths linked to preventable infections.

He further noted that ongoing studies by institutions such as the Navrongo Health Research Centre and other research bodies are expected to provide additional data on the prevalence and burden of RSV in Ghana.

“You cannot wait until infections occur before treating them. prevention through immunisation is the safest and most effective approach.” he said. Mr. Bawa called for stronger collaboration between government, health institutions, the media and communities to make maternal immunization an integral part of maternal health care in Ghana.

Source: GNA