An Overview of the Chickenpox Vaccine and Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant should not receive the varicella vaccine (also known as the chickenpox vaccine).

 

The effects of the varicella vaccine on a developing fetus are unknown. There is a theoretical risk of damage to the fetus if the vaccine is administered one month prior to, or during, pregnancy. In theory, the vaccine could cause birth defects similar to those that can occur from natural chickenpox (for example, limb abnormalities including absence or underdevelopment, abnormal brain development, mental retardation, scarring of the skin, and eye abnormalities). So far, there have been no cases reported to the registry of birth defects in babies born to mothers vaccinated during pregnancy.

 

If you discovered that you were pregnant when you got the chickenpox vaccine, or if you get pregnant within 1 month after getting the vaccine, contact your doctor or call (800) 986-8999 (toll-free). The vaccine manufacturer (Merck) and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) maintain a registry for reports of women inadvertently vaccinated prior to or during pregnancy.

 

Although the manufacturer's package insert recommends avoiding pregnancy for 3 months following receipt of varicella vaccine, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that pregnancy be avoided for 1 month.