Which vaccine is safe to administer during pregnancy?

• A. MMR vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy
• B. Varicella vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy
• C. Inactivated influenza vaccine is safe during pregnancy
• D. Tdap vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy

Answer: (C)

In pregnancy, the safety of vaccines hinges on whether the vaccine contains live organisms. Live vaccines are generally avoided during pregnancy due to theoretical risk to the fetus, while inactivated vaccines are considered safe and are often recommended. The inactivated influenza vaccine is specifically recommended for all pregnant people, at any stage of pregnancy, during influenza season because it protects the mother from flu and also provides antibodies to the newborn. That makes it the best choice in this set.

The other options involve vaccines that are not suitable during pregnancy: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines are live vaccines and are contraindicated in pregnancy. Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) is not contraindicated; it’s actually recommended during pregnancy (typically in the third trimester) to help protect the newborn from pertussis.