Vaccines & Preventable Diseases:

Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated with these Vaccines?

Anthrax vaccine

Some people should not get anthrax vaccine or should wait.

• Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of anthrax vaccine should not get another dose.
• Anyone who has recovered from cutaneous (skin) anthrax should not get the vaccine.
• Pregnant women should not be routinely vaccinated with anthrax vaccine. This is merely a precaution. There is no evidence that the vaccine is harmful to either a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. Vaccination may be recommended for pregnant women who have been exposed, or are likely to be exposed, to anthrax.

There is no reason to delay childbearing after either the man or the woman gets anthrax vaccine.

Vaccines, including anthrax vaccine, are safe to give to breast-feeding women.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 45KB]
(This information taken from Anthrax VIS dated 4/23/03. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

DTaP vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, & acellular Pertussis)

Some children should not get DTaP vaccine or should wait.

• Children with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. But children who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting DTaP vaccine.
• Any child who had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTaP should not get another dose.
• Any child who suffered a brain or nervous system disease within 7 days after a dose of DTaP should not get another dose.
• Talk with your doctor if your child:
  • had a seizure or collapsed after a dose of DTaP
  • cried non-stop for 3 hours or more after a dose of DTaP
  • had a fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit after a dose of DTaP.

Ask your health care provider for more information. Some of these children should not get another dose of pertussis vaccine, but may get a vaccine without pertussis, called DT. DTaP should not be given to anyone 7 years of age or older.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 43KB]
(This information taken from DTaP VIS dated 5/17/07. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Hepatitis A vaccine

Some people should not get hepatitis A vaccine or should wait.

• Anyone who has ever had a severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine should not get another dose.
• Anyone who has a severe (life threatening) allergy to any vaccine component should not get the vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies. All hepatitis A vaccines contain alum and some hepatitis A vaccines contain 2-phenoxyethanol.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should probably wait until they recover. Ask your doctor or nurse. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The safety of hepatitis A vaccine for pregnant women has not been determined. But there is no evidence that it is harmful to either pregnant women or their unborn babies. The risk, if any, is thought to be very low.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 68KB]
(This information taken from Hepatitis A VIS dated 3/27/06. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Hepatitis B vaccine

Some people should not get hepatitis B vaccine or should wait.

• Anyone with a life-threatening allergy to baker’s yeast, or to any other component of the vaccine, should not get hepatitis B vaccine. Tell your provider if you have any severe allergies.
• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine should not get another dose.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill when a dose of vaccine is scheduled should probably wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.

Your provider can give you more information about these precautions.

Pregnant women who need protection from HBV infection may be vaccinated.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 66KB]
(This information taken from Hepatitis B VIS dated 7/18/07. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Hib vaccine

Some people should not get Hib vaccine or should wait.

• People who have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of Hib vaccine should not get another dose.
• Children less than 6 weeks of age should not get Hib vaccine.
• People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting Hib vaccine.

Ask your doctor or nurse for more information.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 65KB]
(This information taken from Hib VIS dated 12/16/98. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine

Some girls or women should not get H.P.V. vaccine or should wait.

• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to yeast, to any other
  component of HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine should not get the vaccine. Tell your doctor if the person getting the vaccine has any severe allergies.
• Pregnant women should not get the vaccine. The vaccine appears to be safe for both the mother and the unborn baby, but it is still being studied. Receiving HPV vaccine when pregnant is not a reason to consider terminating the
  pregnancy. Women who are breast feeding may safely get the vaccine.
• Any woman who learns that she was pregnant when she got HPV vaccine is encouraged to call the HPV vaccine in pregnancy registry at 800-986-8999.
  Information from this registry will help us learn how pregnant women respond to the vaccine.
• People who are mildly ill when the shot is scheduled can still get HPV vaccine. People with moderate or severe illnesses should wait until they recover.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 47KB]
(This information taken from HPV VIS dated 2/2/07. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Influenza (inactivated) vaccine

Some people should talk with a doctor before getting influenza vaccine.

Some people should not get inactivated influenza vaccine or should wait before getting it.

• Tell your doctor if you have any severe (life-threatening) allergies. Allergic reactions to influenza vaccine are rare.
  • Influenza vaccine virus is grown in eggs. People with a severe egg allergy should not get the vaccine.
  • A severe allergy to any vaccine component is also a reason to not get the vaccine.
  • If you have had a severe reaction after a previous dose of influenza vaccine, tell your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS). You may be able to get the vaccine, but your doctor should help you make the decision.
• People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor or nurse about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 74KB]
(This information taken from Inactivated Influenza VIS dated 8/11/09. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Influenza (live) vaccine

Some people should not get the LAIV vaccine.

LAIV is not licensed for everyone. The following people should get the inactivated vaccine (flu shot) instead:

• Adults 50 years of age and older or children between 6 months and 2 years of age. (Children younger than 6 months should not get either influenza vaccine.)
• Children younger than 5 with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing within the past year.
• People who have long-term health problems with:
  • heart disease
  • kidney or liver disease
  • lung disease
  • metabolic disease, such as diabetes
  • asthma
  • anemia, and other blood disorders
• Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.
• Anyone with a weakened immune system.
• Children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment.
• Pregnant women.

Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS). You may be able to get the vaccine, but your doctor should help you make the decision.

The flu shot is preferred for people (including health-care workers and family members) in close contact with anyone who has a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit). People in close contact with those whose immune systems are less severely weakened (including those with HIV) may get LAIV.

Anyone with a nasal condition serious enough to make breathing difficult, such as a very stuffy nose, should get the flu shot instead. Some people should talk with a doctor before getting either influenza vaccine:

• Anyone who has ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or another vaccine component, or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
• People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor or nurse about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 70KB]
(This information taken from Live Influenza VIS dated 8/11/09. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

JE (Japanese Encephalitis) vaccine

Who should not get Japanese encephalitis vaccine?

• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening reaction to mouse protein, thimerosal, or to a previous dose of JE vaccine.
• Tell your doctor if you:
• have severe allergies, especially a history of allergic rash (hives) or wheezing after a wasp sting or taking medications,
• are pregnant, or are a nursing mother,
• will be traveling for fewer than 30 days,
• especially if you will be in major urban areas. (You may be at lower risk for Japanese encephalitis and not need the vaccine.)

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 55KB]
(This information taken from Japanese Encephalitis VIS dated 5/11/05. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella ) vaccine

Some people should not get MMR vaccine or should wait.

• People should not get MMR vaccine who have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or to a previous dose of MMR vaccine.
• People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting MMR vaccine.
• Pregnant women should wait to get MMR vaccine until after they have given birth. Women should avoid getting pregnant for 4 weeks after getting MMR vaccine.
• Some people should check with their doctor about whether they should get MMR vaccine, including anyone who:
  • Has HIV/AIDS, or another disease that affects the immune system
  • Is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer.
  • Has any kind of cancer
  • Is taking cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
  • Has ever had a low platelet count (a blood disorder)
• People who recently had a transfusion or were given other blood products should ask their doctor when they may get MMR vaccine.

Ask your provider for more information.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 54KB]
(This information taken from MMR VIS dated 3/13/08. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Meningococcal vaccine

Some people should not get meningococcal vaccine or should wait.

• Anyone who has ever had a severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a previous dose of either meningococcal vaccine should not get another dose.
• Anyone who has a severe (life threatening) allergy to any vaccine component should not get the vaccine. Tell your provider if you have any severe allergies.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should probably wait until they recover. Ask your provider. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.
• Anyone who has ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome should talk with their provider before getting MCV4.
• Meningococcal vaccines may be given to pregnant women. However, MCV4 is a new vaccine and has not been studied in pregnant women as much as MPSV4 has. It should be used only if clearly needed.
• Meningococcal vaccines may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 62KB]
(This information taken from Meningococcal VIS dated 1/28/08. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

PCV7 (Pneumococcal Conjugate) vaccine

Some children should not get pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or should wait.

Children should not get pneumococcal conjugate vaccine if they had a serious (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine, or if they have a severe allergy to any vaccine component. Tell your health-care provider if your child has ever had a severe reaction to any vaccine, or has any severe allergies.

Children with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. But children who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 41KB]
(This information taken from PCV VIS dated 12/9/08. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

PPV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide) vaccine

Some people should not PPSV or should wait:

• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to PPSV should not get another dose.
• Anyone who has a severe allergy to any component of a vaccine should not get that vaccine. Tell your provider if you have any severe allergies.
• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill when the shot is scheduled may be asked to wait until they recover before getting the vaccine. Someone with a mild illness can usually be vaccinated.
• Although there is no evidence that PPSV is harmful to either a pregnant woman or to her fetus, it is not recommended during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have chronic illnesses should consult their provider before being vaccinated. Women who have underlying conditions known to put them at risk of pneumococcal disease should be vaccinated before becoming pregnant, if possible.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 121KB]
(This information taken from PPSV VIS dated 4/16/09. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Polio vaccine

Some people should not get IPV or should wait.

These people should not get IPV:

• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the antibiotics neomycin, streptomycin or polymyxin B should not get the polio shot.
• Anyone who has a severe allergic reaction to a polio shot should not get another one.

These people should wait:

• Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting polio vaccine. People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated.

Ask your health care provider for more information.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 60KB]
(This information taken from IPV VIS dated 1/1/00. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Rabies vaccine

Talk with a doctor before getting rabies vaccine if you:

1. ever had a serious (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a previous dose of rabies vaccine, or to any component of the vaccine,
2. have a weakened immune system because of:
   • HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system,
   • treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids,
   • cancer, or cancer treatment with radiation or drugs.

If you have a minor illness, such as a cold, you can be vaccinated. If you are moderately or severely ill, you should probably wait until you recover before getting a routine (non-exposure) dose of rabies vaccine.

If you have been exposed to rabies virus, you should get the vaccine regardless of any other illnesses you may have.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 58KB]
(This information taken from Rabies VIS dated 1/12/06. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Rotavirus vaccine

Some babies should not get rotavirus vaccine or should wait.

• A baby who has had a severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a dose of rotavirus vaccine should not get another dose. A baby who has a severe (life threatening) allergy to any component of rotavirus vaccine should not get the vaccine. Tell your doctor if your baby has any severe allergies that you know of, including a severe allergy to latex.
• Babies who are moderately or severely ill at the time the vaccination is scheduled should probably wait until they recover. This includes babies who have moderate or severe diarrhea or vomiting. Ask your doctor or nurse. Babies with mild illnesses should usually get the vaccine.
• Check with your doctor if your baby’s immune system is weakened because of:
  • HIV/AIDS, or any other disease that affects the immune system
  • treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids
  • cancer, or cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs

In the late 1990s a different type of rotavirus vaccine was used. This vaccine was found to be associated with an uncommon type of bowel obstruction called “intussusception,” and it was taken off the market.

The new rotavirus vaccines have not been associated with intussusception.

However, babies who have had intussusception, from any cause, are at higher risk for getting it again. If your baby has ever had intussusception, discuss this with your doctor.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 44KB]
(This information taken from Rotavirus VIS dated 8/28/08. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine

Some people should not get shingles vaccine or should wait.

A person should not get shingles vaccine who:

• has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin,
  or any other component of shingles vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
• has a weakened immune system because of
  • HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system,
  • treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids,
  • cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy,
  • a history of cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 47KB]
(This information taken from Shingles VIS dated 9/11/06. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Smallpox (Vaccinia) vaccine

There are too many conditions and risk factors to list accurately on this page. Please consult the Smallpox Vaccine Information Statement.

Td (Adult Tetanus & Diphtheria) vaccine AND
Tdap vaccine (Combined Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis)

Some people should not be vaccinated or should wait.

• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of DTP, DTaP, DT, or Td should not get Td or Tdap.
• Anyone who has a severe allergy to any component of a vaccine should not get that vaccine. Tell your provider if the person getting the vaccine has any severe allergies.
• Anyone who had a coma, or long or multiple seizures within 7 days after a dose of DTP or DTaP should not get Tdap, unless a cause other than the vaccine was found (these people can get Td).
• Talk to your provider if the person getting either vaccine:
  • has epilepsy or another nervous system problem,
  • had severe swelling or severe pain after a previous dose of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, or Tdap vaccine, or
  • has had Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS).

Anyone who has a moderate or severe illness on the day the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting Tdap or Td vaccine. A person with a mild-illness or low fever can usually be vaccinated.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 47KB]
(This information taken from Td-Tdap VIS dated 11/18/08. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Typhoid vaccine

Some people should not get typhoid vaccine or should wait.

Inactivated Typhoid Vaccine (Shot)

• Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine should not get another dose.

Live Typhoid Vaccine (Oral)

• Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine should not get another dose.
• Anyone whose immune system is weakened should not get this vaccine. They should get the inactivated typhoid vaccine instead. These people include anyone who:
  • Has HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system.
  • Is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer.
  • Has any kind of cancer.
  • Is taking cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.
• Oral typhoid vaccine should not be given within 24 hours of certain antibiotics.

Ask your doctor or nurse for more information.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 47KB]
(This information taken from Typhoid VIS dated 5/19/04. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

Some people should not get chickenpox vaccine or should wait.

• People should not get chickenpox vaccine if they have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine or to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin.
• People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting chickenpox vaccine.
• Pregnant women should wait to get chickenpox vaccine until after they have given birth. Women should not get pregnant for 1 month after getting chickenpox vaccine.
• Some people should check with their doctor about whether they should get chickenpox vaccine, including anyone who:
  • Has HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system
  • Is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer
  • Has any kind of cancer
  • Is getting cancer treatment with radiation or drugs
• People who recently had a transfusion or were given other blood products should ask their doctor when they may get chickenpox vaccine.

Ask your provider for more information.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 43KB]
(This information taken from Varicella VIS dated 3/13/08. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

Yellow Fever vaccine

Some people should not get Yellow Fever vaccine.

Persons who have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to eggs, chicken, gelatin or to a previous yellow fever vaccine.

Infants younger than 9 months of age. For infants 6 to 8 months of age who cannot avoid travel to a yellow fever area, discuss vaccination with their doctor. Under no circumstances should infants younger than 6 months of age be vaccinated.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid or postpone travel to a yellow fever area. If travel cannot be avoided, discuss vaccination with your doctor.

Check with your doctor before getting yellow fever vaccine if you:

• Have a history of allergy to eggs, chicken, or gelatin
• Have HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system
• Have been under treatment for 2 weeks or longer with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids
• Have any kind of cancer

• Are taking cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs
• Your thymus gland has been removed, or if you have a history of problems with your thymus, such as myasthenia gravis, DiGeorge syndrome, or thymoma.

If you are 65 or older, discuss with your physician the risks and benefits of vaccination in the context of your risk for exposure to yellow fever virus based on your destination.

If you cannot get the vaccine because of a medical reason and proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for your travel, your doctor can give you a waiver letter. When planning to use a waiver letter, you should also obtain specific advice from the embassy of the country or countries you plan to visit.

If you cannot get the vaccine, discuss with your doctor other ways to prevent yellow fever.

This information was taken directly from the VIS [PDF - 36KB]
(This information taken from Yellow Fever VIS dated 11/9/04. If the actual VIS is more recent than this date, the information on this page needs to be updated.)

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