Maternal vaccination against pertussis: a systematic review of the recent literature

There is now an increasing body of evidence to support the safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of antenatal vaccination to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with pertussis in neonates and young infants before they receive their primary immunisations. Narrowing the gap between scientific evidence and public health policies is critical in order to protect the most vulnerable as quickly as possible. The lessons learnt have important implications for implementation of new vaccines into the antenatal immunisation programme.