Vaccine protection of the mother, the fetus, neonates and infants.

Pregnant women, the fetus, neonates, and young infants are at an increased risk for serious diseases from many infections due to their immunocompromised or immunonäive statuses. Vaccines are available for many diseases, but not all of the serious infectious diseases for which these individuals are at risk. Some of these vaccines can be administered to the mother either prior to or during pregnancy. The antibodies that are generated can benefit the mother, the fetus, and the neonate. Other vaccines can be administered to the neonate soon after birth to elicit important protections. This review outlines the available vaccines and the need and potential for new vaccines for pathogens that challenge pregnant women, the fetus, neonates, and the infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]