Gaps in maternal influenza vaccine uptake in Northern Territory: A need for a year-round influenza vaccination campaign.

Introduction: Maternal influenza vaccination was introduced in 2010 due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with influenza in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the maternal influenza vaccination uptake in Northern Territory public hospitals and identify gaps to improve uptake.

Methods: Birth data from Northern Territory (NT) public hospitals obtained from the Perinatal Register for deliveries in 2016 were merged with vaccination records from the NT immunisation register.

Current antenatal pertussis vaccination guidelines miss preterm infants: An epidemiological study from the Northern Territory.

Importance: Assessing gaps in antenatal pertussis vaccination to increase coverage.

Introduction: Antenatal pertussis vaccination has been proven effective in reducing pertussis disease in infants. Current guidelines recommend maternal pertussis vaccination from 28 weeks gestation.

A Success Story: The Burden of Maternal, Neonatal and Childhood Mortality in Rwanda - Critical Appraisal of Interventions and Recommendations for the Future.

Globally, the burden of maternal, neonatal and childhood mortality is disproportionately shared between the least developed nations and the developed nations. While the global maternal mortality has been almost halved since 1990, 99% of maternal deaths occur in developing regions. This invariably highlights the impact of poverty and, to combat poverty in its different elements, the United Nations (UN) established eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including improving maternal health (MDG 5) and reducing child mortality (MDG 4).