Group B Streptococcus vaccination in pregnancy: moving toward a global maternal immunization program.

A group B streptococcus vaccine for pregnant women would add to the currently available vaccines given during pregnancy to protect mothers and their infants against serious and potentially lethal diseases, including tetanus, influenza, pertussis and meningococcal infection. Implementation of the administration of these high priority vaccines during routine prenatal care would result in a maternal immunization program with the potential to have a positive impact in public health globally, by reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.