Can Pregnant Women Safely Interact with Vaccinated Babies?

Can pregnant women come into close contact with babies who have received vaccinations?

Hello Dr.
Lu,
I would like to ask if pregnant women should avoid close contact with babies who have recently received the pentavalent or trivalent vaccines.
My friend's baby just received the pentavalent vaccine about two weeks ago, and there is also a first grader who just received the oral polio vaccine last week.
They have been at my home playing for three days.
Some people say that pregnant women should not come into close contact with babies who have been vaccinated within six weeks, as the polio vaccine virus can be shed in the infant's feces.
They are concerned that if a pregnant woman comes into contact with it, she might get infected, which could harm the health of the baby in her womb.
Is this true? What should I do? I have had contact with both of them, and I am currently 11 weeks pregnant.
Are there any post-exposure measures I should take? Please advise, Dr.
Lu.
Thank you!

Xiao Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/29

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Pregnant women can be near babies who have recently received the five-in-one or three-in-one vaccinations.
Some people say that pregnant women should avoid contact with vaccinated infants for six weeks because the poliovirus can be shed in the baby's feces, and there is a concern that pregnant women might get infected, potentially harming the unborn baby.
Is this true? What should I do?
The poliovirus present in the vaccine is extremely minimal and is not contagious.
Most people have been vaccinated in the past and have immunity, so they are not at risk of infection.

Sincerely, Lu Lizheng

Reply Date: 2005/04/29

More Info

Pregnant women often have concerns about exposure to vaccinated infants, particularly regarding the potential risks associated with vaccines such as the five-in-one (DTPaHibIPV) and oral polio vaccines. It is understandable to be cautious, especially during pregnancy when the health of both the mother and the developing fetus is paramount.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that the vaccines mentioned, including the five-in-one vaccine and the oral polio vaccine, are designed to protect against serious infectious diseases. The five-in-one vaccine typically protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b, and polio. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) contains a weakened form of the poliovirus, which can indeed be shed in the stool of vaccinated infants. However, the risk of transmission to others, including pregnant women, is extremely low.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities have indicated that the live attenuated viruses in the oral polio vaccine are not likely to cause illness in healthy individuals, including pregnant women. The amount of virus shed in the stool is minimal, and the likelihood of a pregnant woman contracting polio from a vaccinated infant is very low. Most adults have been vaccinated against polio in childhood and have developed immunity, further reducing any potential risk.

Regarding the five-in-one vaccine, it does not contain live viruses, so there is no risk of transmission from vaccinated infants to pregnant women. The components of this vaccine are inactivated or toxoid forms, which means they cannot cause disease.

In terms of your specific situation, since you have already interacted with the vaccinated infants, there is no need for alarm. The exposure you described does not pose a significant risk to you or your unborn child. However, it is always a good practice to maintain good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, especially after handling items that may have come into contact with the infants, to minimize any risk of infection from other sources.

If you have any specific health concerns or experience symptoms that worry you, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

In summary, pregnant women can safely interact with vaccinated babies, including those who have recently received the five-in-one or oral polio vaccines. The risk of infection from these vaccines is negligible, and maintaining good hygiene practices can further ensure safety. If you have any lingering concerns, discussing them with your healthcare provider can provide additional reassurance and guidance.

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