VACCINE, BCG

Fetal Risk Summary

BCG vaccine is a live, attenuated bacteria vaccine used to provide immunity to tuberculosis (1,2). Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with the vaccine.

The risk to the fetus from maternal vaccination is unknown. Because it is a live preparation, one reviewer thought the vaccine should probably not be used during pregnancy (2). A more recent publication cited the recommendation of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) that BCG vaccine should only be used if there is an immediate, excessive risk of unavoidable exposure to infectious tuberculosis (2). Although not specifically listing BCG vaccine, the ACIP recommendation parallels the opinion expressed in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Technical Bulletin No. 160 (3).

Breast Feeding Summary

No data are available.

References

1. American Hospital Formulary Service. Drug Information 1997. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1997:2569–72.
2. Amstey MS. Vaccination in pregnancy. Clin Obstet Gynaecol 1983;10:13–22.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Immunization during pregnancy. Technical Bulletin. No. 160, October 1991.