Live virus vaccines should be given a month or more before pregnancy.

• A. They should be given a month or more before pregnancy
• B. They should be given during pregnancy
• C. They should not be given
• D. They should be given after pregnancy

Answer: (A)

Live vaccines use weakened viruses that can replicate in the body. Because of this replication potential, giving them during pregnancy carries a theoretical risk to the fetus, so they are avoided while a woman is pregnant. Planning to complete these vaccines at least four weeks before conception allows the immune system to develop protection and removes the exposure window during pregnancy. That’s why giving a month or more before pregnancy is considered the appropriate approach. If a woman is already pregnant, these vaccines are typically deferred until after delivery, and vaccination can be considered postpartum if indicated for future protection.