Is BCG Vaccine safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about BCG Vaccine. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
In one study, breastfeeding improved the cellular immune response to BCG vaccine if the vaccine was given at birth. However, if the vaccine was given at 1 month of age, breastfeeding had no effect.[ 5 ] A nursing mother presented with bladder carcinoma 2 months postpartum. After deciding to treat her with intravesicular BCG vaccine, her infant was given the BCG vaccine subcutaneously 2 weeks before the mother s first treatment. The mother continued to breastfeed her infant throughout 6 courses of induction therapy and the initial 3 weekly maintenance treatments. The infant had no reported adverse effects, such as systemic dissemination of BCG.[ 6 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.