Immunization Dialogue

Indian Pediatrics 2001; 38: 301  

The views expressed by Prof. T. Jacob John in this section are personal in nature and should not be construed as the official stand of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. –Editor-in-Chief

Hepatitis B Vaccine and Pregnancy

The literature provided with hepatitis B vaccines states "The vaccine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed" or "routine vaccination of pregnant women with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine is not recommended due to inadequate data on its effects on the fetus. However, the decision to immunize pregnant woman may be taken by the physician in the context of case specific high risk factors."

In general live vaccines are contra-indicated during pregnancy, specially during the first trimester. Hepatitis B vaccine is an inactivated vaccine. What risks are there if hepatitis B vaccine is administered during pregnancy.

Yash Paul,
A-D-7, Devi Marg, Bani Park,
Jaipur 302 016, India.

There are no specific risks that have been detected or described, if hepatitis B vaccine is given during pregnancy.

T. Jacob John,
439, Civil Supplies Godown Lane,
Kamalakshipuram,
Vellore TN 632 002, India.
E-mail: [email protected]