Due to immature development of the immune system, preterm infants are at increased risk of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases. But at the same time, premature vaccination may not induce a good immune response because of the incomplete development of the neonatal immune system, and may cause serious adverse reactions risk due to the poor immune tolerance, thus vaccination of preterm infants at the appropriate time is the key to reducing the risk of infectious disease and obtaining vaccine protection. At present, it is generally recommended that the gestational age and birth weight should be considered in the vaccination of preterm infants. The timing, type and even the immunization schedule of the vaccine should be differ from that of the full term infants. However, there is a lack of research results and data on immunization program in preterm infants in China, and there is still no provided universal guidelines for their vaccine immunization. This article aims to summarize the guidelines and clinical trials of vaccination of preterm infants in foreign countries, and to provide reference for the formulation and implementation of immunization strategies for preterm infants in China.

Infant premature; Vaccination; Immunization effect