Abstract � Fiscal Year 2003

Abstract: Infants frequently suffer the highest morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases. Administering the first dose of vaccine in the neonatal period could decrease the age at which partial or full protection is induced (the window of vulnerability) and substantially reduce morbidity and mortality. Improved understanding of neonatal immune responses, new data from animal models (e.g., for pertussis vaccines), and experience with existing neonatal vaccination programs (hepatitis b, oral poliovirus vaccine, BCG) provide support for a thorough evaluation of the potential for neonatal vaccination with current and future vaccines. We propose to organize and convene an international workshop March 2-5, 2004, to evaluate the issues related to neonatal vaccination. These span the immunology, epidemiology, vaccine safety, regulatory and manufacturing challenges, and programmatic issues. The workshop will be organized by a working group of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee�s Subcommittee on Future Vaccines. The Subcommittee includes representatives of Federal agencies, academia, and industry. Organizers will invite presentations by national and international experts who can address each of the areas defined above. A summary of the workshop will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, serving as a catalyst to further investigation and development of vaccines for neonates, and to provide guidance leading to evaluation and possible implementation of expanded neonatal vaccination.

Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Date: July 2003

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Last updated: July 16, 2003

URL: http://www.cdc.gov/od/nvpo/research/abn80.htm

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