Is Influenza Virus Vaccine compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Influenza Virus Vaccine?

Influenza Virus Vaccine

October 28, 2014 (Very Low Risk)

Inactivated strains of type A and B Influenza virus vaccines.

Both inactivated (flu shot) or attenuated (nasal spray) vaccines are compatible with breastfeeding

Vaccines are usually compatible with breastfeeding either if they are formed by live, attenuated, inactivated, death strains or microorganism toxoid.

Except for rubella vaccine, they are not excreted into breast milk and do not cause harm to the infant. Yellow fever vaccine has a higher risk for harm effect on infants younger than 6 months old (Consult information on a particular vaccine at our web).

Breastfeeding may enhance antibody response to vaccines and cause fewer side effects as fever or anorexia.

Early postpartum period is appropriate to get mothers vaccinated against measles, rubella and mumps in case they were not immunized.

Breastfeeding mothers should be protected by providing recommended vaccination for adults.

Eleventh WHO's Model List of Essential Drugs 2002: Compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Influenza Virus Vaccine since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Flu nasal spray
  • Flu shot
  • Flu vaccine

References

  1. Munoz FM. Maternal immunization: an update for pediatricians. Pediatr Ann. 2013Abstract
  2. Schlaudecker EP, Steinhoff MC, Omer SB, McNeal MM, Roy E, Arifeen SE, Dodd CN, Raqib R, Breiman RF, Zaman K. IgA and neutralizing antibodies to influenza a virus in human milk: a randomized trial of antenatal influenza immunization. PLoS One. 2013Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant Women Need a Flu Shot. Facts Sheet 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Sachs HC; Committee On Drugs. The transfer of drugs and therapeutics into human breast milk: an update on selected topics. Pediatrics. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Raney EC, El-Ibiary SY. Immunizations and pregnancy: an update for pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2012Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  6. Raney EC, El-Ibiary SY. Immunizations and pregnancy: an update for pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2012Abstract
  7. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. General recommendations on immunization --- recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2011Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  8. Hubka TA, Wisner KP; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccinations recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2011Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza vaccine and Pregnant women Public Health Service 2011 Full text (in our servers)
  10. Gruslin A, Steben M, Halperin S, Money DM, Yudin MH; SOGC. Immunization in pregnancy: No. 220, December 2008. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2009Abstract
  11. Tanaka T, Nakajima K, Murashima A, Garcia-Bournissen F, Koren G, Ito S. Safety of neuraminidase inhibitors against novel influenza A (H1N1) in pregnant and breastfeeding women. CMAJ. 2009Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  12. Gruslin A, Steben M, Halperin S, Money DM, Yudin MH, Boucher M, Cormier B, Ogilvie G, Paquet C, Steenbeek A, Van Eyk N, van Schalkwyk J, Wong T. Immunization in pregnancy. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2008Abstract
  13. Zaman K, Roy E, Arifeen SE, Rahman M, Raqib R, Wilson E, Omer SB, Shahid NS, Breiman RF, Steinhoff MC. Effectiveness of maternal influenza immunization in mothers and infants. N Engl J Med. 2008Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  14. Schmidt JV, Kroger AT, Roy SL. Report from the CDC. Vaccines in women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2004Abstract
  15. Tillett J. The use of vaccines in pregnancy. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. 2004Abstract
  16. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  17. Pabst HF, Spady DW, Pilarski LM, Carson MM, Beeler JA, Krezolek MP. Differential modulation of the immune response by breast- or formula-feeding of infants. Acta Paediatr. 1997Abstract
  18. [No authors listed] Prevention and control of influenza: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 1997Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  19. Pabst HF. Immunomodulation by breast-feeding. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1997Abstract
  20. [No authors listed] General recommendations on immunization. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 1994Abstract Full text (in our servers)