Stakeholder perceptions about Group B Streptococcus disease and potential for maternal vaccination in low and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND To inform WHO's full value of vaccines assessment for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaccines, a rapid literature appraisal was conducted to inform the operationalisation of maternal GBS vaccination. We found limited published information on stakeholder perceptions on the public health importance of GBS disease and vaccination and therefore undertook a multi-country survey. METHODS A survey was conducted in late 2019 to collect information on stakeholders' awareness of GBS disease, and the priority accorded to vaccination. The online survey was distributed to 395 email addresses to representatives of national paediatric, gynaecology and obstetrics associations, National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs), national regulatory agencies, academia and United Nations organizations. RESULTS Among 101 survey respondents from 66 countries 36% were paediatricians, 25% obstetricians/gynaecologists, 21% immunization specialists, and 18% other public health specialists. More than half (58%) of respondents reported being familiar with GBS disease as a public health problem; familiarity decreased by country income level. Knowledge of GBS disease was greatest in the Americas (68%) and Europe (66%) and lowest in Asia (13 - 38%). Perception of GBS disease as a public health problem was highest among paediatricians (71%) and lowest among public health policy-makers and NITAG members (30%) across country groupings. Approximately half of respondents (49%) considered the introduction of a GBS vaccine as a priority. CONCLUSIONS The information obtained will inform optimal presentation and appropriate packaging of information to address stakeholder perceptions, and promote evidence-based decision-making.