INMIS Supplement Introduction

Maternal immunization provides a unique opportunity to reduce death and the substantial burden of infectious diseases that exists for mothers and infants globally. The evidence for the effectiveness and safety of tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines is very clear and that of the newly licensed respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for administration in pregnancy is anticipated – while the deployment of new maternal vaccines against group B Streptococcus is hopefully imminent. Further, progress in neonatal immunization strategies continues to yield promising results, including the use of monoclonal antibodies for respiratory syncytial virus prevention in all infants from birth through the highest risk period in life. However, upon emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, continued progress in this expanding field requires a clearer evidence base for decision-making, including disease burdens and cost-effectiveness; health systems and delivery platforms that are primed and ready to successfully deliver these vaccines and to carefully evaluate their safety and effectiveness; and pregnant women, their partners and their healthcare teams that in the end demand these vaccines and see their value. Interdisciplinary teams and global collaborations are best placed to tackle these complex challenges. Supporting this concept, “Fostering Scientific Collaboration Across Nations” was the theme of the 6th INMIS (International Neonatal and Maternal Immunization Symposium) meeting held in San Jose, Costa Rica, March 12–14, 2024. This very first INMIS supplement includes the reports of the 2024 meeting and of the Latin American Symposium held in conjunction with the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE), and covers a range of current topics in the field of maternal and neonatal immunization based on work presented by leading international experts in the field and original work submitted by participants. This unique collection of articles will be of relevance and importance to specialists in immunizations, pediatric infectious diseases, obstetrics, midwifery and all those who care for pregnant women, newborns and infants worldwide.