How vaccines given during pregnancy affect newborn protection from whooping cough
Maternal vaccination impacts on neonatal susceptibility and response to Bordetella pertussis
Researchers are looking at whether antibodies from vaccines given during pregnancy help protect newborns from getting or spreading whooping cough.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231274 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, the team will examine how antibodies from a pregnant person's pertussis vaccine move to the baby through the placenta and breast milk. They will measure antibody levels and test whether those antibodies prevent newborns from becoming colonized or passing Bordetella pertussis to others. The work combines lab tests and sample-based experiments to clarify whether maternal antibodies stop infection or only reduce disease symptoms. The goal is to understand risks and protections for babies too young to be fully vaccinated.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be pregnant people (especially in the 2nd or 3rd trimester) and their newborns in the first weeks of life who can provide health information and samples.
Not a fit: People outside the newborn period or those seeking immediate treatment for active whooping cough are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could lead to clearer maternal vaccine guidance that better protects newborns from whooping cough.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show maternal antibodies can reduce severe pertussis in infants, but it remains unclear whether they prevent infection or transmission, so this work addresses that gap.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harvill, Eric T — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Harvill, Eric T
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.