Immunization in women's lives: present and future

Abstract

•The negative impact of infectious diseases and their immunoprevention during the different stages of a woman's life requires a broad approach including adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and the postmenopausal phase. •Immunization of pregnant women should be a priority for the protection of the maternal-fetal dyad, especially in regions with high rates of infections preventable by immunization. •Brazil has one of the most comprehensive vaccination programs in the world - the National Immunization Program (Programa Nacional de Imunizações, PNI) - that serves all age groups: newborns, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women and older adults, as well as groups with special needs, such as adolescents, pregnant and older adult women. •However, vaccination coverage remains below ideal for all available vaccines, especially among adolescents and pregnant women, and Febrasgo is committed to collaborating with the PNI to combat vaccine hesitancy. •The gynecologist/obstetrician is the reference physician for women, therefore the access to information and updates regarding all vaccines recommended for their patients is extremely important for this professional, aiming at the greatest possible protection. •The objective of this Febrasgo Position Statement is to bring an update to women's vaccination schedule, covering some vaccines that are available, including new approved vaccines and those in the commercialization phase. •This work is a compilation of the First Febrasgo Scientific Immunization Forum held in the city of São Paulo in October 2023 with the objective to update recommendations for vaccines in use and new innovative vaccines soon to be available.