Immunising Pregnant women and infants network- IMPRINT

The IMmunising PRegnant women and INfants neTwork (IMPRINT) is one of the five vaccine networks funded by UKRI/GCRF. Vaccines can make a significant contribution to the health and survival of newborn babies, young children and their mothers. Vaccination in pregnancy benefits both the mother and baby - both before and after birth. Vaccines protecting against tetanus, flu, whooping cough and COVID-19 are recommended for use in pregnancy. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies which protect the pregnant woman against infection and also protect her baby for several months after delivery and during the time the baby is most vulnerable to severe infection. New vaccines for this specific purpose have just been licensed (RSV) or are on the horizon (Group B strep, Lassa fever). Our network activities relate to tackling the biological and implementation challenges for maternal and neonatal immunisation. We achieve this through a) conducting research into the placenta and how the antibody passes to the baby before birth and its impact on the maturing neonatal immune system using state-of-the art novel technologies, b) through training and capacity building and networking for interdisciplinary researchers in low- and high-income countries, and c) via the integration of public voices and health systems assessments to deliver this successful intervention to those who ultimately require to be protected.
Our work to date has laid solid foundations and we have become an internationally recognised network with leading expertise in this area and a partner to other international organisations with direct impact on policy. Our unique selling point is to be able to relate our evidence-based research results and implementation strategies to the many situations on the ground in HIC and LMIC countries, given the diversity and reach of our membership.

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