Which vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it is crucial to carefully consider the safety of vaccines for both the mother and the developing fetus. Live attenuated vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, are contraindicated during pregnancy because they contain live viruses that could potentially cause infection in the pregnant woman or harm the fetus.

These vaccines can replicate in the body and, while they are designed to be weakened, there is still a risk associated with their use during pregnancy. In contrast, inactivated vaccines—like the influenza and Tdap vaccines, and other non-live vaccines—are generally considered safe and are often recommended for pregnant individuals to protect both the mother and the baby from certain diseases.

Because the MMR vaccine is live and can pose a risk, it is recommended that women be vaccinated with it before becoming pregnant. If a woman is pregnant and has not had the vaccine, it should typically be delayed until after delivery. This understanding highlights the importance of vaccination planning and education in prenatal care.