Which one of the following sets of vaccines is contraindicated in pregnancy?
Varicella, Measles, Rubella
The correct answer is Varicella, Measles, Rubella. All three are live attenuated viral vaccines, contraindicated in pregnancy because of the theoretical risk of transplacental vaccine-virus transmission, notably congenital rubella syndrome (cataract, sensorineural deafness, patent ductus arteriosus) and congenital varicella syndrome (limb hypoplasia, cicatricial scarring, chorioretinitis). MMR and varicella should be given at least 4 weeks before conception or postpartum; breastfeeding is not a contraindication, and inadvertent vaccination is not an indication for termination.
Pneumococcal, hepatitis B and HPV are non-live; HPV is merely deferred for want of data. Rabies, influenza and hepatitis A are inactivated or subunit, and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is never withheld in pregnancy. Diphtheria, influenza and pneumococcal are toxoid or inactivated, and Tdap with inactivated influenza is actively recommended antenatally for transplacental antibody transfer.
Key point: Live vaccines to avoid in pregnancy are MMR, varicella, BCG, oral polio, yellow fever, oral typhoid and live attenuated influenza.
Similar Questions
A primigravida comes to antenatal clinic for a routine antenatal visit. When should she be screened for diabetes in pregnancy?
Important Questions from Pregnancy Care
- Which one of the following statements regarding pre-conceptional counseling is NOT correct?
- The net effect of antenatal care has been the following EXCEPT:
- The placenta synthesizes all EXCEPT:
- Which one of the following is NOT done as screening test in pregnancy?
- Ideal weight gain during pregnancy for a woman with normal BMI should be
