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Maternal vaccines protect babies from serious infections, but unequal access limits benefits across Europe

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Maternal vaccines protect babies from serious infections, but unequal access limits benefits across Europe

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Europe must act now to strengthen maternal vaccination during pregnancy and ensure all women and babies can benefit from a new generation of vaccines to protect against serious infections. That is according to a new Lancet Regional Health - Europe series led by Professor Asma Khalil at City St George's, University of London, which is being launched and presented at the 2026 Global Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Congress in Utrecht.

The series found maternal RSV vaccination was associated with an approximately 74% lower risk of hospitalization for RSV-related lower respiratory tract infection in babies younger than 6 months. However, evidence also suggests substantial inequalities in access, with one U.K. study finding women living in the most deprived areas had 72% lower odds of receiving vaccination than women living in the least deprived areas.

While scientific advances in maternal immunization are moving rapidly, health systems have not kept pace. Fragmented delivery models, unequal access, gaps in surveillance and uncertainty over responsibility for vaccine delivery continue to limit uptake and leave many women and babies without protection. These issues need to be tackled head-on in a coordinated manner.

Khalil, professor of obstetrics and maternal fetal medicine in the School of Health & Medical Sciences at City St George's, University of London, and chair of the series, said, "Maternal vaccination is one of the most powerful public health interventions, giving protection to both pregnant women and their babies from serious infectious diseases.


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