GBS public awareness, advocacy, and prevention—What's working, what's not and why we need a maternal GBS vaccine

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of severe early-onset (0–6 days) infection and a significant cause of serious late-onset (7–90 days) infection in infants. While most babies recover from their GBS infection, some are stillborn, more die in the first weeks of life and others suffer lifelong disability. Despite efforts in many developed countries to prevent these infections, the burden of GBS disease remains significant, particularly among the late onset infections, which are not preventable using current risk-based or screening strategies. Vaccination, once available, could prevent more cases of GBS infection than any other strategy, including preventing preterm labor and stillbirths caused by GBS infection, post-delivery GBS infection in the mother and late-onset GBS infection in the baby. Vaccination would also avoid allergic reactions to antibiotics and concern about the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria.We consider the history of the two largest group B Strep parent organizations (Group B Strep Association USA and Group B Strep Support UK) and the history of GBS prevention in their respective countries. We look at what is needed before a vaccine can be introduced and consider how acceptable a GBS vaccine would be from families’ perspective. We also summarize what a perfect GBS vaccine would look like and what we should all strive to achieve.

► GBS disease remains significant, despite risk-based or screening strategies.
► Vaccination could prevent more cases of GBS infection than any other strategy.
► Key to up take of a maternal vaccine for GBS will be its efficacy, safety and cost.
► Information provision to health professionals and to families will be key.