Varicella-Zoster Vaccine
It is an attenuated strain of Varicellae herpes virus.
Vaccines are usually compatible with breastfeeding either if they are formed by live, attenuated, inactivated, death strains or microorganism toxoid.
They are not excreted into breast milk and do not cause harm to the infant, except for rubella vaccine, but the virus usually does not infect the infant or if infection does occur, it is well tolerated because the virus is attenuated. 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, mumps and varicella in case they were not immunized.
Breastfeeding mothers should be protected by providing recommended vaccination for adult
Alternatives
We do not have alternatives for Varicella-Zoster 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.
References
- 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)
- Red Book. Pickering LK, Baker CJ, Kimberlin DW, Long SS, eds. Red Book: 2012 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 29th ed. Elk Grove Village, Red Book 2012
- Raney EC, El-Ibiary SY. Immunizations and pregnancy: an update for pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2012Abstract Full text (in our servers)
- Raney EC, El-Ibiary SY. Immunizations and pregnancy: an update for pharmacists. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2012Abstract
- Verd S, López E. Management of chickenpox with frozen mother's milk. J Altern Complement Med. 2012Abstract
- 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)
- Chen LH, Zeind C, Mackell S, LaPointe T, Mutsch M, Wilson ME. Breastfeeding travelers: precautions and recommendations. J Travel Med. 2010Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Gruslin A, Steben M, Halperin S, Money DM, Yudin MH; SOGC. Immunization in pregnancy: No. 220, December 2008. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2009Abstract
- 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
- Schmidt JV, Kroger AT, Roy SL. Report from the CDC. Vaccines in women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2004Abstract
- Tillett J. The use of vaccines in pregnancy. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. 2004Abstract
- Bohlke K, Galil K, Jackson LA, Schmid DS, Starkovich P, Loparev VN, Seward JF. Postpartum varicella vaccination: is the vaccine virus excreted in breast milk? Obstet Gynecol. 2003Abstract
- 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
- Pabst HF. Immunomodulation by breast-feeding. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1997Abstract
- [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)
- Yoshida M, Yamagami N, Tezuka T, Hondo R. Case report: detection of varicella-zoster virus DNA in maternal breast milk. J Med Virol. 1992Abstract
- Frederick IB, White RJ, Braddock SW. Excretion of varicella-herpes zoster virus in breast milk. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1986Abstract