Maternal vaccination protects mothers and newborns

Washington, D.C., September 1, 2026 (PAHO) Vaccines administered during pregnancy can help prevent serious illness in women and protect newborns during their first months of life. However, maternal vaccination coverage remains insufficient across much of the Americas, underscoring the need to expand access to recommended vaccines and strengthen vaccination efforts during pregnancy, experts said during a regional webinar organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

An estimated 47% of deaths among children worldwide occur during the neonatal period, the first 28 days of life. Many of these deaths are associated with infections that can be prevented through maternal immunization, including pertussis (whooping cough), neonatal tetanus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“Vaccination during pregnancy is one of the safest and most cost-effective public health interventions available. It not only protects pregnant women, but also provides newborns with critical protection during their first months of life,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. “Ensuring timely access to recommended vaccines, together with clear, reliable, and understandable information, is key to expanding these benefits and helping give every child the best possible start in life.”