Measles virus vaccine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Attenuvax

Measles virus vaccine Pregnancy Warnings

Measles vaccine has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. There is a theoretical risk of viral transmission to the fetus. The manufacturer's labeling states that measles vaccination is considered contraindicated during pregnancy and that pregnancy should be avoided for 3 months following vaccination. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that pregnancy be avoided for 4 weeks after vaccination with the polyvalent measles/mumps/rubella vaccine, that women who become pregnant within that period be advised of the theoretical risk to the fetus, and that vaccination during pregnancy is generally not a reason to terminate the pregnancy.

Natural measles virus infection during pregnancy has been associated with an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, congenital defects, and prematurity. There are no data on the use of measles virus vaccine during pregnancy; however, it is possible that the vaccine virus may also induce adverse fetal effects.

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Measles virus vaccine Breastfeeding Warnings

There are no data on the excretion of measles vaccine virus into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering measles to breast-feeding women. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider the administration of live virus vaccines compatible with breast-feeding.

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Further information

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