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A recent collaborative study conducted by the University of Cambridge, UK, and Fudan University, China, sheds light on a concerning finding: children born via caesarean section (C-section) are significantly more likely to experience vaccine failure with the measles jab compared to those born through natural delivery. The research, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, underscores the importance of understanding birth methods’ long-term impacts on immune response.
The study, led by Professor Henrik Salje from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Genetics, highlights that a single dose of the measles vaccine is up to 2.6 times more likely to be ineffective in C-section-born children. This failure results in the child’s immune system being unable to produce antibodies to combat measles infection, leaving them vulnerable to the disease.
Salje emphasized the critical nature of the findings, stating, “The way we’re born — either by C-section or natural birth — has long-term consequences on our immunity to diseases as we grow up.” He stressed the necessity of ensuring that children, especially those born via C-section, receive their second measles jab to establish robust immunity.
The research draws attention to the potential link between birth method and the development of the infant’s gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in priming the immune system. Babies born vaginally typically acquire a more diverse array of microbes from the mother, which aids in immune system development. However, C-section-born infants may experience delays in developing their gut microbiome, impacting their immune response to vaccines like the measles jab.
Analyzing data from over 1,500 children in Hunan, China, the study found that 12% of C-section-born children exhibited no immune response to their first measles vaccination, compared to 5% of those born vaginally. This discrepancy underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring and ensuring the vaccination of C-section-born children.
The World Health Organization emphasizes the necessity of two doses of the measles vaccine for long-lasting immunity. However, global data from 2022 revealed that only 83% of children had received one dose by their first birthday, indicating a shortfall in vaccination coverage.
The research team highlights the urgency of addressing vaccine hesitancy, particularly concerning measles, given its highly contagious nature and severe health implications. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the disease caused devastating epidemics, claiming millions of lives annually.
The study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, underscoring international collaboration in addressing critical public health challenges.
As the global community strives to control measles and prevent outbreaks, the findings underscore the importance of ensuring comprehensive vaccination coverage and understanding the nuanced factors influencing vaccine efficacy, including birth method.
