Publication

Association of infant pneumococcal immunization with infant growth in Asia

Authored by:

Steinhoff, M.C., Omer, S.B., Roy, E., et al

Full Citation:

Steinhoff, M.C., Omer, S.B., Roy, E., et al 2009. Association of infant pneumococcal immunization with infant growth in Asia. Presented at Pediatric Academic Societies meeting, Vancouver, Canada.

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Additional key concepts from this publication:

Immunization can help promote healthy growth and development.

Key Evidence: Respiratory infections during pregnancy may exert indirect effects on the developing fetus through placental function and maternal immune responses. This in turn may lead to pre term births and reduced growth of the fetus. However, a review of recent studies, researchers show that administration of influenza vaccine during pregnancy adds 200 grams to newborn weight and that PCV7 vaccine given to infants translates into an additional 500 grams of growth in the first 6 months of life. In addition, maternal influenza vaccine led to a 15% reduction in low birth-weight. This indicates that immunization can improve intrauterine growth.