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Immunizations (cont.)

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If I am pregnant, what vaccines can and should I get?

The concerns surrounding the dangers of vaccines during pregnancy is mostly theoretical. The concern is related to the risk of transfer to the fetus. There is no evidence of any risk associated with the use of inactivated (killed) vaccines in pregnant women. The biggest concern is related to the use of live vaccines. While the risk is extremely low, the concern is that the live virus will be transferred from the mother to the fetus. There must be a discussion between the physician and the mother whenever a live vaccine is considered during pregnancy. The CDC has issued a guide to help expectant mothers and physicians make good decisions related to the risk and benefits of using a vaccine during pregnancy (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm). Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, and rabies vaccine are generally considered safe during pregnancy.

I am a health-care worker, do I need any different vaccines?

It is very important that health-care workers are up to date on all of their required vaccines. Additionally, the CDC recommends that health-care workers receive varicella (chickenpox) vaccine unless there is proof of immunity, prior vaccination, or documented history of the disease. Also, health-care workers with direct patient contact are required to receive one dose of the pertussis-containing tetanus shot (Tdap). For the complete recommendations, please consult the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/hcw.htm.


Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/immunizations/article.htm

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