Which influenza vaccine type is contraindicated in pregnancy?

• A. Live attenuated influenza vaccine
• B. Inactivated influenza vaccine
• C. Recombinant influenza vaccine
• D. Subunit influenza vaccine

Answer: (A)

In pregnancy, vaccines that contain live virus are avoided because there is a theoretical risk the live, albeit weakened, virus could affect the fetus. The influenza vaccine delivered as a nasal spray is a live attenuated vaccine, so it is contraindicated during pregnancy. The other influenza vaccine types are non-live: the inactivated vaccine, the recombinant vaccine, and the subunit vaccine. These do not contain replicating virus and are considered safe and recommended for pregnant people because they protect the mother and, indirectly, the newborn.