Researchers conducting a study in South Africa to test a vaccine given to pregnant women to protect their babies from life-threatening group B Strep infection has yielded promising results.
The vaccine, developed by Pfizer, has been shown to produce antibodies in pregnant women, which were then transferred to their babies, reducing the risk of group B Strep (GBS) disease in babies in both early-onset GBS infection (in babies aged 0-6 days) and late-onset GBS infection (in babies aged 7-90 days).
A GBS vaccine administered to pregnant women would minimise antibiotic use and prevent more GBS infections than our current prevention strategies. Therefore, reducing stillbirths, maternal infections, and late-onset GBS infections, which are not yet prevented by current strategies involving offering pregnant women intravenous antibiotics in labour.
While Pfizer’s research was conducted in South Africa and focused on a specific population, the vaccine could protect babies from GBS infections worldwide. The vaccine proved safe for both mothers and babies, with no significant side effects.
The results are incredibly promising, and the medical community is increasingly accepting the idea of vaccinating pregnant women to safeguard their babies’ health after a period where “commercial apathy towards vaccinating pregnant women” had initially slowed down the development of these types of vaccines.
“At last, a maternal vaccine platform is moving toward widespread acceptance by women and their healthcare providers.”
Dr Carol J Baker MD of the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and Global Vaccine Engagement Adviser at Group B Strep Support
This was undoubtedly echoed by our own study, which found that 89% of surveyed mothers would be vaccinated against group B Strep during pregnancy against GBS if that were offered.
“In the UK, two babies develop a group B Strep infection every day, with one a week recovering with life-changing disabilities and another tragically losing their life. This should not still be happening. One baby contracting GBS is one too many. These promising findings signify real progress, bringing us another step closer to reducing the impact of this devastating infection and protecting babies.”
JANE PLUMB MBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT GROUP B STREP SUPPORT
To results of the trial have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine here.
