Is Smallpox Vaccine safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Smallpox Vaccine. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
One 5-month-old breastfed infant acquired a vaccinia lesion on her upper lip, tongue and cheek after her mother developed vaccinia lesions on both areolas. The mother's infection apparently originated from the father who had been vaccinated about 10 days prior with a live vaccine (exact type not stated). The exact mechanism of transmission was not apparent.[ 5 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Smallpox vaccine ACAM-2000 has not been studied in lactating women. Live vaccinia virus can be inadvertently transmitted from a lactating mother to her breastfed infant. Infants are at high risk of developing serious complications from live vaccinia smallpox vaccination.[ 4 ] Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
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.