Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Data concerning the safety of Japanese encephalitis vaccine during breastfeeding are not available. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several health professional organizations state that in general vaccines given to a nursing mother do not affect the safety of breastfeeding for mothers or infants. Therefore, breastfeeding is not a contraindication to Japanese encephalitis vaccine in mothers who require it. Breastfed infants should be vaccinated according to the routine recommended schedules.[1-4]

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in breastfed infants

Limited data indicate that breastfeeding can enhance the response of the infant to certain vaccine antigens.[1,4,5]

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

References

1. Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, et al. Red Book: 2018 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 31st ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics. 2018.
2. Gruslin A, Steben M, Halperin S, et al. Immunization in pregnancy: No. 220, December 2008. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2009;105:187-91.19367691 PubMed
3. Hills SL, Walter EB, Atmar RL, et al. Japanese encephalitis vaccines: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recomm Rep 2019;68:1-33.31518342 PubMed
4. Kroger A, Bahta L, Long S, et al. CDC. General Best Practices for Immunization. 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/index.html
5. Pabst HF. Immunomodulation by breast-feeding. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1997;16:991-5.9380478 PubMed