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Zoster Vaccines use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2024.

Zoster Vaccines Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the several health professional organizations state that vaccines given to a nursing mother do not affect the safety of breastfeeding for mothers or infants and that breastfeeding is not a contraindication to Herpes zoster vaccine in the breastfeeding mother, including both the live and recombinant vaccines.[1-5]

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1.
Ezeanolue E, Harriman K, Hunter P, et al. Best Practices Guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). https://www​.cdc.gov/vaccines​/hcp/acip-recs​/general-recs/index.html Accessed June 5, 2020.
2.
Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, et al. Red Book: 2018 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 31st ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics. 2018.
3.
Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Seward JF. Prevention of Herpes zoster: Recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008;57(RR-5):1–30. [PubMed: 18528318]
4.
Gruslin A, Steben M, Halperin S, et al. Immunization in pregnancy: No. 220, December 2008. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2009;105:187–91. [PubMed: 19367691]
5.
Anderson TC, Masters NB, Guo A, et al. Use of recombinant zoster vaccine in immunocompromised adults aged ≥19 years: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices-United States, 2022. Am J Transplant. 2022;22:986–90. [PMC free article: PMC8774159] [PubMed: 35051134]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Zoster Vaccines

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Vaccines

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

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Other brands

Zostavax

Professional resources

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Zostavax

Further information

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