Are Vaccines Safe While Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding provides important health benefits for both the infant and the mother. But since many women breastfeed for the recommended time of 6 month to 2 years, vaccination may be necessary.
Is it safe to be vaccinated while breastfeeding your child? Which vaccines have been reviewed and found to be safe while breastfeeding?
Most vaccines are safe to be given while breastfeeding. Based on clinical research, vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 are safe and effective for use while breastfeeding. Other vaccines such as cholera, pertussis, pneumococcus, poliovirus, and rotavirus may also be given safely.
Which vaccines should be avoided while breastfeeding?
Some vaccines are generally recommended to be avoided during breastfeeding:
- Yellow fever vaccine – recommended to be postponed during breastfeeding. If vaccination is necessary, then breastfeeding should be interrupted for 3 weeks after vaccination due to possible spread of the virus to your infant.
- Smallpox – recommended to be postponed during breastfeeding due to potential infection due to contact with the skin of vaccinated individuals.
Which vaccines may require a discussion with your doctor?
Talk with your doctor before getting other vaccines such as rubella (3-day measles), rabies, and varicella (chicken pox). Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of these vaccines, as well as any precautionary measures that are needed for breastfeeding after receiving these vaccines.
Summary
Generally, most vaccines are safe to receive while you are breastfeeding your infant. However, there are a couple vaccines that should be avoided and a few that require a discussion with your doctor before getting vaccinated. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.