An enormous amount of work needs to be done to educate pregnant women about the dangers of group B streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus infections, given maternal vaccines are on the horizon, physicians say.

Several vaccine manufacturers are racing to develop group B strep (GBS) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.

Initial reports from studies of one RSV vaccine candidate suggest efficacy against infection when given between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation, but the results of a phase 3 clinical trial are yet to be published.

These vaccines are aimed at reducing neonatal illness and mortality, as well as protecting the mother.