Which immunization is not recommended for pregnant healthcare workers?

• A. LAIV flu
• B. MMR
• C. HPV
• D. Varicella

Answer: (C)

Vaccines for pregnant workers are chosen to protect the mother and fetus without introducing unnecessary risk, so live vaccines are avoided during pregnancy. The nasal influenza vaccine is a live attenuated formulation and is not given to pregnant individuals. The measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines are also live vaccines and contraindicated during pregnancy. The HPV vaccine, by contrast, is a recombinant, non-live vaccine and is not recommended to administer during pregnancy; vaccination should be postponed until after delivery. Therefore, the immunization not recommended for a pregnant healthcare worker is the HPV vaccine.