Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women?

1. Mumps

2. Varicella

3. Rubella

4. Influenza

The correct answer is: Influenza

The influenza vaccine is considered safe for pregnant women and is actually recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the flu season. Influenza can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the developing fetus, making vaccination an important preventive measure. The inactivated influenza vaccine (the injectable form) poses no risk to the mother or fetus and helps protect both from the severe effects of a flu infection. Vaccinating pregnant women also provides passive immunity to the newborn, as the antibodies can transfer from the mother to the fetus and provide some level of protection during the first few months of life. This aspect of vaccination is crucial given that infants are particularly vulnerable to severe influenza but are not eligible for vaccination until they are six months old. In contrast, the other vaccines mentioned—mumps, varicella, and rubella—are live attenuated vaccines. Live vaccines are generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk of the live virus causing harm to the developing fetus. Therefore, the influenza vaccine stands out as the appropriate and safe choice for pregnant women.