Maternal immunization against Group B streptococcus: World Health Organization research and development technological roadmap and preferred product characteristics

Group B streptococcus, found in the vagina or lower gastrointestinal tract of about 10–40% of women of reproductive age, is a leading cause of early life invasive bacterial disease, potentially amenable to prevention through maternal immunization during pregnancy. Following a consultation process with global stakeholders, the World Health Organization is herein proposing priority research and development pathways and preferred product characteristics for GBS vaccines, with the aim to facilitate and accelerate vaccine licensure, policy recommendation for wide scale use and implementation.