Pertussis Maternal Immunization Study

The purpose of this study is to assess the potential of providing initial immunological protection to the neonate by providing passive placentally transferred serum antibodies and breast milk antibodies against pertussis antigens (PT, FHA, PRN, FIM). This will be accomplished by

• determining the rate of maternal antibody decline from time of immunization until 12 months postpartum by measuring antibody levels in serum, saliva, and breast milk at specified intervals;
• determining levels of antibody transferred to the neonate relative to the interval from immunization to delivery;
• comparing levels of transplacentally transferred antibody with those achieved after the first, second, and third dose of the primary immunization series; and
• determining whether maternal immunization interferes with active antibody production following licensed DTaP-IPV-Hib in infants of women immunized during the mid third trimester of pregnancy.

Inclusion criteria

• Pregnant women 18 years of age and over.
• Women who, at ≥30-<32 weeks gestation, are at low risk for complications as determined by the obstetrical algorithm for identification of eligible subjects and the obstetrical risk assessment form.
• Signed, informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Failure to meet eligibility criteria as determined by the obstetrical algorithm for identification of eligible subjects and the obstetrical risk assessment form.
• History of significant medical disorder (such as bleeding disorders, cancer, autoimmune disease, immunodeficiency (including HIV-infected individuals, transplant recipients), seizure disorder or significant psychiatric illness, drug or alcohol dependence).
• Receipt of any high-dose daily corticosteroids (inhaled steroids are acceptable) within 2 weeks of study entry. High dose is defined as a dose of ≥20 mg of prednisone daily or equivalent.
• History of physician-diagnosed or laboratory-confirmed pertussis within the past 5 years.
• Personal history (verbal or documented) of ever having received Tdap.
• Personal history (verbal or documented) of having received Td immunization within the past 2 years.
• History of febrile illness (>37.8ºC orally) within the past 72 hours (immunization may be deferred).
• History of sensitivity to any component of Tdap.
• Receipt of blood products or immunoglobulin within 3 months of study entry (except RH-negative women who receive immunoglobulin during pregnancy are eligible).
• Receipt of any vaccines within 2 weeks of study vaccine (except influenza vaccine which may be given concurrently).
• Failure to give written, informed consent.