Newborn baby vaccine breakthrough

Published: April 25, 2006 | 4093rd good news item since 2003

The lives of babies could be safeguarded from birth after scientists found a way of boosting their response to vaccines.

At the moment doctors must wait until infants reach two months before they can be vaccinated against many common infections because of their weak immune system.

But a team of researchers in the United States believe they have found a way of improving the reaction of new-born children to vaccines.

It could mean millions of tiny infants around the world could be protected earlier from infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia and whooping cough.

The study was undertaken by scientists at the Children’s Hospital, in Boston, and was published in the online edition of the journal Blood.

Dr Ofer Levy, who led the research, said the ability to vaccinate newborns could have important global health benefits.

He added that the technique could also be used in special circumstances, such as with an ill baby, or as a preventative measure during a disease outbreak or even during the threat of a bio-terrorist attack.

He said: “Birth is a point of contact with healthcare systems. Families may not see a health care provider after that.

“From a global health perspective, if you can give a vaccine at birth, a much higher percentage of the population can be covered.”

The study focused on white blood cells recovered from the cord blood of newly-born babies. Researchers found that although babies have a much more limited immune system than adults, one part is fully-functional and can be harnessed to boost immunity.

Published in Kids & Teens and Science & Technology
See also: www.guardian.co.uk