Maternal and Neonatal Immunization Field Guide for Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

[Preface]. Over the past several decades, important advances have been made in reducing infant and under-five mortality due to vaccinepreventable diseases. This downward trend has not, however, been observed for maternal and neonatal mortality. In the context of the post- Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, targets have been set to reduce the global neonatal mortality rate to 12 or less per 1,000 live births, and the maternal mortality rate to 70 deaths or less per 100,000 live births by 2030. In the Americas, the MDG goal of reducing maternal mortality by 75% by 2015 was not met. In 2015, the Region reported a maternal mortality rate of 67 deaths per 100,000 live births corresponding to a reduction of 49% between 1990 and 2015. In 2015, a mortality rate of 15 deaths per 1,000 live births was recorded among children aged less than five years...With the objective of facilitating the implementation or strengthening of maternal immunization programs across the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has developed the present field guide, targeting primarily maternal and child health personnel and immunization program staff. This field guide aims to provide key information on the current maternal and neonatal vaccines available or under development, as well as recommendations for their introduction or the expansion of their use. It also covers aspects of social communication and vaccine acceptance that are fundamental for promoting maternal immunization. The authors of this document have made every effort to ensure that the language and format are user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience beyond healthcare workers.