Live virus vaccination near a pregnancy: flawed policies, tragic results

F. Edward Yazbak, Kathleen Yazbak

p 283-288, Volume 59, Number 3, September 2002

Abstract

Vaccination of women with live virus vaccines around conception has always been contraindicated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the vaccine manufacturer because of potential risks to the fetus (1,2). Nevertheless this dangerous practice occurs and is associated with maternal health problems and a very high incidence of early-onset autism in the children (3,4).

Postpartum vaccination with live virus vaccines has been recommended by the CDC (5), and described as `convenient' by the vaccine manufacturer (6). This `routine practice' may lead to health and is also associated with many health and obstetrical problems in the recipient, and is frequently associated with autism in both current and future children (4,7). Re-vaccination often fails to produce immunity, the very reason for which it was recommended.