Would you consider joining a Group B strep vaccine trial?

[HealthAndCareResearchNIHR]

Mums whose babies contracted life-threatening sepsis and meningitis which developed from group B streptococcus are calling on pregnant women to take part in a new trial for a vaccine supported by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Around 1 in every 1,000 babies in the UK and Ireland develop a Group B strep infection. It is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborns, causing sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis, and can be fatal in newborns if left untreated.

Tragically, around 50 babies die each year in the UK, and a further 70 babies survive with long-term disabilities such as hearing loss, vision problems, cerebral palsy or developmental difficulties.

The BEATRIX study is the first large-scale phase 3 vaccine trial in the world for Group B strep. It is being developed by researchers from the NHS and UK universities, alongside international partners.

Parents impacted by Group B strep, including the family of baby Leo who developed sepsis and meningitis caused by Group B strep, are welcoming the trial, and encouraging mums-to-be to consider taking part and give hope to future parents.

Tragically, around 50 babies die each year in the UK, and a further 70 babies survive with long-term disabilities such as hearing loss, vision problems, cerebral palsy or developmental difficulties.
This is why I don't understand why they don't routinely test for it and can only be tested for privately. There should be a lot more information available so people actually know that they can have a private test.

It is usually preterm babies that are most badly affected, born before screening is recommended. This is why its not tested for routinely. If youve had it in a previous pregnancy theyll offer you a test though.

It is usually preterm babies that are most badly affected, born before screening is recommended
But there is no NHS screening for it.

Yes I know, and this is likely the case for the reason I explained.

Firstly, GBS is a transient bacteria, meaning it can naturally come and go over time. You could be screened at 37 weeks, have a negative test, and still have it develop and pass it on to baby.

If screening is done, it is recommended at 37 weeks (as test results are generally considered viable for 5 weeks - but this is just a guide and not a rule).

However, it is babies born before 37 weeks who are at highest risk of serious outcomes from GBS and so screening would not help these babies.

For a widespread screening programme to be effective, women would need to be screened as a minimum at 32 weeks and again at 37 weeks, and its likely that this could highlight the need for more frequent testing - three tests at 3/4 week intervals for example.

Logisitically and financially, this would be a huge undertaking for the health service and come with enormous cost and resource implications.

A vaccine is surely a better approach?