Rubella virus vaccine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Meruvax II

Rubella virus vaccine Pregnancy Warnings

Rubella 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 risk of viral transmission to the fetus. Abnormalities suggestive of congenital rubella syndrome were not observed during a 10-year survey of 700 pregnant women who received rubella vaccine within 3 months before or after conception. The manufacturer's labeling states that rubella 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.

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Rubella virus vaccine Breastfeeding Warnings

Rubella vaccine virus may be excreted in breast milk and transmitted to nursing infants. Severe disease has not been reported in exposed infants who were serologically positive for rubella infection; however, one infant had a mild illness characteristic of acquired rubella. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering rubella vaccine 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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