International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Which vaccine is not recommended by WHO unless the nursing mother must travel to an affected area?

1. Measles vaccine

2. Pneumococcal vaccine

3. Yellow fever vaccine

4. Hepatitis B vaccine

The correct answer is: Yellow fever vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is specifically noted for its restricted recommendation for nursing mothers by the World Health Organization (WHO). This vaccine is usually advised only for those individuals who will be traveling to areas where yellow fever is endemic, as the disease can be serious and even life-threatening. For nursing mothers, the yellow fever vaccine can pose a risk due to potential transmission of the vaccine virus through breast milk to the infant, particularly if the infant is under six months old or has a compromised immune system. Therefore, WHO recommends that breastfeeding women get vaccinated against yellow fever only if travel to an affected area is necessary, balancing the risks of exposure to yellow fever with potential vaccine-related risks to the nursing infant. In contrast, the measles, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines are generally considered safe for nursing mothers and are typically recommended by health authorities without the same travel-related stipulation. Thus, the yellow fever vaccine stands out due to its specific recommendations linked to travel and potential health risks to nursing infants.