Research continues in finding a suitable vaccine for group B Strep (GBS) – the UK’s most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies, and of meningitis in babies under three months. On average, two babies a day develop GBS infection, one a week dies, and one a week survives with disability. Most of these infections are preventable.
The study (published 14 March 2023) found that, if introduced globally, a reasonably priced vaccine is likely to be a cost-effective intervention, along with providing a significant impact on infant death and long-term disability.
Both the health and economic effects of vaccination of 140 million pregnant women across the world in 2020 were assessed. The decision-tree model* for research used recent global estimates of the health burden of GBS infection in babies, together with the estimated costs to healthcare systems.
At present, the UK’s current GBS prevention strategy involves identifying pregnant women whose babies are at raised risk of developing early-onset GBS infection and giving them antibiotics during labour. Despite preventative measures currently being in place, cases continue to increase each year.
As can be expected, the research found that vaccinating pregnant women would reduce many cases of early and late-onset GBS infection, as well as GBS stillbirths and potentially GBS-associated preterm birth. Whilst the vaccine would naturally lead to an overall increase in costs, these would be offset by the savings in healthcare costs and health gains, such as reductions in infant death and long-term disability.
“This study is very encouraging and reiterates the difference vaccination would make if introduced as part of routine antenatal care. With around 800 babies being affected by GBS infection every year in the UK, we avidly support practices – such as vaccination – that will prevent more families going through the heartbreak that a GBS infection can bring.”
Jane Plumb MBE, Chief Executive at Group B Strep Support
If you are pregnant, you can find out more about testing for GBS on our website. We also have a confidential helpline available to answer questions you may have.
Read the full study here.
*This form of research begins with a concern/issue and then branches into different outcomes. These outcomes branch off into further outcomes. Hence the name ‘tree’.
