Live vaccines are contraindicated in which groups?

Live vaccines are contraindicated in which groups?

• A. Pregnant women
• B. Immunocompromised
• C. Infants
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Live vaccines replicate in the body, so they can pose risks if the immune system can’t handle that replication or if it could affect a developing fetus. In pregnant women, there’s a theoretical risk to the fetus, so live vaccines are avoided during pregnancy. In people who are immunocompromised, the weakened immune system may not control the attenuated virus or organism in the vaccine, potentially causing disease. In infants there are safety nuances for specific vaccines (for example, rotavirus is a live vaccine with specific contraindications like a history of intussusception, and some vaccines are not given at very young ages or in certain health conditions). Because these distinct concerns can apply to all three groups, all of the above is the best answer.

Live vaccines replicate in the body, so they can pose risks if the immune system can’t handle that replication or if it could affect a developing fetus. In pregnant women, there’s a theoretical risk to the fetus, so live vaccines are avoided during pregnancy. In people who are immunocompromised, the weakened immune system may not control the attenuated virus or organism in the vaccine, potentially causing disease. In infants there are safety nuances for specific vaccines (for example, rotavirus is a live vaccine with specific contraindications like a history of intussusception, and some vaccines are not given at very young ages or in certain health conditions). Because these distinct concerns can apply to all three groups, all of the above is the best answer.