The rubella vaccine is contraindicated in which situation?

The rubella vaccine is contraindicated in which situation?

• A. Breastfeeding
• B. Pregnancy
• C. Age over 65
• D. Healthy adults

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that this is a live attenuated vaccine, and live vaccines are not given during pregnancy. Vaccinating a pregnant person could theoretically expose the fetus to the weakened virus, which can lead to fetal infection or congenital rubella syndrome. Because rubella infection during pregnancy can cause serious fetal harm, the rubella (MMR) vaccine is contraindicated in pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication, and neither is being an older adult or a healthy adult; those situations may affect overall vaccination plans but do not on their own prohibit vaccination. In practice, nonimmune individuals should receive the vaccine after delivery, and pregnancy should be avoided for a certain period after vaccination if applicable.

The key idea is that this is a live attenuated vaccine, and live vaccines are not given during pregnancy. Vaccinating a pregnant person could theoretically expose the fetus to the weakened virus, which can lead to fetal infection or congenital rubella syndrome. Because rubella infection during pregnancy can cause serious fetal harm, the rubella (MMR) vaccine is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication, and neither is being an older adult or a healthy adult; those situations may affect overall vaccination plans but do not on their own prohibit vaccination. In practice, nonimmune individuals should receive the vaccine after delivery, and pregnancy should be avoided for a certain period after vaccination if applicable.