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Which vaccines to avoid while breastfeeding?

Vaccines to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face a myriad of decisions regarding their health and the health of their infants, particularly when it comes to vaccinations. While most vaccines are considered safe during breastfeeding, there are specific exceptions that mothers should be aware of to ensure the well-being of both themselves and their babies.
General Guidelines for Vaccination During Breastfeeding
According to health authorities, including the CDC, most vaccines can be administered safely to breastfeeding mothers. This includes vaccines for diseases such as influenza and COVID-19, which are not only safe but also beneficial, as they can help protect both the mother and the infant from serious illnesses. The COVID-19 vaccine, for instance, is recommended for breastfeeding individuals, as it has been shown to provide protective antibodies that can be passed through breast milk.
The Yellow Fever Vaccine: A Notable Exception
The primary vaccine that breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid is the yellow fever vaccine. The CDC recommends against this vaccine unless travel to areas where yellow fever is endemic is unavoidable. This caution stems from the potential risk of the live attenuated virus present in the vaccine, which could theoretically affect the breastfeeding infant.
Other Vaccines: Caution and Considerations
While the yellow fever vaccine is the main vaccine to avoid, there are other vaccines that may require careful consideration. For example, live vaccines such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and chickenpox (varicella) vaccines are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, but they may be recommended only under specific circumstances, such as during outbreaks or if the mother has an incomplete vaccination history.
It’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers about their vaccination status and any potential risks associated with specific vaccines, especially if they are in outbreak-prone areas or have particular health concerns.
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Consultation
In summary, while most vaccines are safe for breastfeeding mothers, the yellow fever vaccine stands out as one to avoid unless absolutely necessary. Mothers should always engage in discussions with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about vaccinations, ensuring both their health and that of their infants are prioritized.

Is it safe to get the MMR vaccine while breastfeeding?

It is safe for breastfeeding women to receive MMR vaccination. Breastfeeding does not interfere with the response to MMR vaccine, and the baby will not be affected by the vaccine through breast milk.

Can a 3 month old get a flu shot while breastfeeding?

Flu vaccination and antiviral prescription medication
Flu vaccination is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants 6 months and older. Women who get the flu vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding develop antibodies that are shared with infants through breast milk.

Are the following vaccines safe to use during pregnancy and lactation?

Generally, all vaccines except live vaccines can be safely administered to pregnant women. Live vaccines, on the other hand, are administered very selectively when there is imminent and substantial risk of increased morbidity and mortality. Good examples are vaccines for attenuated oral polio and yellow fever.

What vaccines are not safe while breastfeeding?

According to the ACIP’s General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization in Special Situations, except for smallpox and yellow fever vaccines, neither inactivated nor live-virus vaccines administered to a lactating woman affect the safety of breastfeeding for women or their infants.

Which two vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy?

Table. Vaccines that are contraindicated in pregnancy: live attenuated vaccines

Vaccine Recommendation
MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) or MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) (live attenuated viral vaccines) Contraindicated
Rotavirus (live attenuated viral vaccine) Contraindicated

Are immunity shots safe while breastfeeding?

Vaccines while breastfeeding
Parents who are breastfeeding can receive any vaccines they need during this time, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Although some live viral vaccines may replicate and cause viruses to be excreted in breast milk, the viruses are weakened sufficiently that they will not harm the baby.

Why shouldn’t you get the Tdap vaccine?

You should not receive the vaccine if you have had: A serious allergic reaction to any of the vaccine ingredients in the past. A coma or any seizures within a week of receiving a previous dose of any pertussis vaccine (such as DTaP), unless the vaccine was not the cause; Td can be used in these cases.

Which vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy?

The vaccines you shouldn’t get while pregnant include: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.

Is it OK to get vaccinations while breastfeeding?

It’s safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are breastfeeding. You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccines and cannot pass it to your baby through your breast milk.

Is MMR a live vaccine?

Measles, mumps, and rubella virus vaccine (live) is an active immunizing agent that is given to protect against infections caused by measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). It works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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