Varicella virus vaccine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Varivax

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 1, 2023.

Varicella virus vaccine Pregnancy Warnings

Use is contraindicated.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B2
US FDA pregnancy category: Contraindication

Comments:
-Pregnancy should be avoided for 1 to 3 months after vaccination.

Wild-type varicella can cause congenital varicella infection, but it is not known if vaccine strains may cause fetal harm. Fetal damage has not been documented with varicella vaccines. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

All exposures to varicella containing vaccines during pregnancy or within three months prior to conception should be reported as suspected adverse reactions at www.vaers.hhs.gov.

AU TGA pregnancy category B2: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.

See references

Varicella virus vaccine Breastfeeding Warnings

Caution is recommended.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Data not available

Comments:
-Limited evidence from women vaccinated postpartum with the vaccine strain of varicella did not detect the virus, viral DNA, or viral antigen in breast milk.
-The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider the administration of live virus vaccines compatible with breast-feeding.

See references

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer