Can Nursing Mothers Get the H1N1 Vaccine Without Risks to Infants?

Q: Can Nursing Mothers Get the H1N1 Vaccine Without Risks to Infants?

Hello Sandy： Your concerns are normal. <br>According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is currently believed that breastfeeding mothers can receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine. <br>However, it is recommended that you undergo an evaluation by

excuse me?

Is it safe to administer the H1N1 influenza vaccine while breastfeeding? Will it have any effects on the infant? Thank you.

sandy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/09

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello Sandy: Your concerns are normal.
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is currently believed that breastfeeding mothers can receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine.
However, it is recommended that you undergo an evaluation by a physician regarding your and your baby's health status, to understand the precautions, and seek medical attention if you have any questions.
Below is some information provided on the CDC website for your reference, and you can visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/ for more information.
Question: If a pregnant woman has not received the seasonal flu vaccine or the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine before delivery, does she still need to get vaccinated after giving birth?
Answer: Yes.
The flu vaccine not only protects her from infection but also helps protect her baby.
The flu vaccine is only approved for infants aged 6 months and older.
Anyone living with or caring for an infant under 6 months should also receive both the seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccines.
A breastfeeding mother can receive the flu vaccine after delivery, and she can also use the nasal spray vaccine.
Question: Can breastfeeding mothers receive the flu vaccine or nasal spray?
Answer: Yes.
Breastfeeding mothers should receive both the seasonal and the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccines, either through injection or the nasal spray.
Breastfeeding is fully compatible with flu vaccination, and preventing the mother from contracting the flu can also reduce the chances of the baby getting infected.
Additionally, the mother's body will respond to the flu vaccine by producing antibodies, which can be passed to the baby through breastfeeding, thereby lowering the baby's risk of illness from the flu.
This is especially important for infants under 6 months old, as they are too young to be vaccinated and have no other means of acquiring vaccine antibodies.
CDC: http://www.h1n1.gov.tw/lp.asp?CtNode=1540&CtUnit=817&BaseDSD=7&mp=170&xq_xCat=70 also has relevant information available for inquiry.

Is it safe to receive the H1N1 vaccine while breastfeeding, and will it affect the breastfeeding infant?
Source: Central Epidemic Command Center for H1N1 Influenza
Date: 2009-11-03
Answer: Breastfeeding is not a contraindication for receiving the H1N1 influenza vaccine; however, a physician's evaluation is still necessary to determine the appropriateness of vaccination.

Reply Date: 2009/12/09

More Info

Yes, nursing mothers can safely receive the H1N1 vaccine without posing risks to their infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities, breastfeeding is not a contraindication for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. In fact, it is encouraged for nursing mothers to get vaccinated to protect both themselves and their infants.

When a nursing mother receives the H1N1 vaccine, her body produces antibodies against the virus. These antibodies can be transferred to the infant through breast milk, providing the baby with some level of immunity against the flu. This is particularly important for infants under six months old, as they are too young to receive the vaccine themselves and rely on their mothers for protection. The presence of these antibodies in breast milk can significantly reduce the risk of the infant contracting the flu.

It is essential for nursing mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before getting vaccinated. A healthcare professional can assess the individual’s health status and provide personalized advice. This is particularly important for mothers with specific health conditions or concerns about vaccination.

In addition to the benefits of vaccination, nursing mothers should also be aware of general flu prevention strategies. These include practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and ensuring that anyone who cares for the infant is also vaccinated against the flu. These measures can further reduce the risk of flu transmission to the infant.

Regarding the safety of the vaccine itself, extensive research has shown that the H1N1 vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers. The vaccine does not contain live virus, so there is no risk of transmitting the virus to the infant through breast milk. The CDC and other health organizations continuously monitor vaccine safety and effectiveness, ensuring that recommendations are based on the latest scientific evidence.

In summary, nursing mothers can and should receive the H1N1 vaccine to protect themselves and their infants. The benefits of vaccination, including the transfer of protective antibodies through breast milk, outweigh any potential risks. It is always advisable for mothers to discuss their vaccination plans with their healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

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