Rotavirus vaccine is a live virus vaccine administered orally for immunization against rotavirus gastroenteritis, the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and children. Rotavirus gastroenteritis produces significant morbidity that can lead to fatalities. Different formulations of the vaccine exist; a pentavalent human-bovine rotavirus vaccine (RV5 or RotaTeq) and a monovalent human rotavirus vaccine (RV1 or Rotarix). RV5 protects against rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by the serotypes G1, G2, G3, G4, and G9 while RV1 protects against rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by the serotypes G1, G3, G4, and G9. Efficacy studies have demonstrated protection rates against severe rotavirus disease of 92% to 98% and 85% to 96% for RV5 and RV1, respectively. Sustained protection against rotavirus disease has also been observed up until at least 4 years for RV5 and until at least 2 years of age for RV1. Vaccine efficacy for preventing rotavirus-associated hospitalizations and emergency department visits has been noted to be approximately 84% to 96% and 70% to 96% for patients immunized with RV5 and RV1, respectively. The first rotavirus vaccine (RRV-TV or Rotashield) was associated with intussusception and subsequently withdrawn from the US market; concern that RV1 or RV5 may increase the risk for intussusception motivated investigation during clinical trials. In 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of RV1 or RV5, the risk of intussusception after immunization was no greater in infants that received the vaccines compared to those who received placebo. However, intussusception has been temporally associated with rotavirus vaccine during postmarketing experience, particularly within the first 7 days after vaccination. The FDA approved RotaTeq in February 2006. Rotarix was FDA-approved in April 2008.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
-Health care professionals administering vaccines should take appropriate precautions to prevent allergic reactions in patients administered the vaccine (see Contraindications).
-According to US federal laws, the healthcare provider must record in the patient's permanent record the manufacturer, lot number, administration date, and the name and address of the person administering the vaccine.
Route-Specific Administration
Oral Administration
-For oral use only. Do NOT administer parenterally.
-Do not mix with any other vaccines or solutions.
-The child may have food or drink, including breast milk, before or after vaccine administration.
Oral Liquid Formulations
RotaTeq
-Administer as soon as possible after removing from refrigeration.
-Tear the protective pouch, and remove the dosing tube. Hold the tube vertically and tap the cap to remove any fluid from the dispensing tip. Turn the cap clockwise to puncture the dispensing tip. Turn the cap counterclockwise to remove the cap.
-Do not dilute or reconstitute the solution. Administer directly into the mouth by squirting the solution on the inside of the cheek. Give all the solution in the tube. A residual drop may remain in the tube tip.
-Do not give a replacement dose if an incomplete dose is received regardless of the reason. The infant should continue to receive any remaining doses in the recommended series.
-Storage: Administer as soon as possible after removing from refrigeration.
Rotarix
NOTE: Rotarix is supplied in 2 presentations, a vial and oral dosing applicator that requires reconstitution and an oral dosing applicator only that does not require reconstitution.
Reconstitution of Vial and Oral Dosing Applicator Presentation
-Remove vial cap and push transfer adaptor onto vial.
-Shake diluent in oral dosing applicator. The diluent should appear white and turbid. Connect the oral dosing applicator to the transfer adaptor.
-Push plunger to transfer the diluent into the vial. The vaccine solution should appear white and turbid. After reconstitution a single dose is 1 mL.
-Withdraw the vaccine into the oral dosing applicator.
-Twist to remove the oral dosing applicator.
-Storage: Store reconstituted vaccine refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F) or at a controlled room temperature up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 24 hours after reconstitution. Do not freeze.
Preparation of Oral Dosing Applicator Only Presentation
-Remove protective tip cap from oral dosing applicator. The vaccine should be clear and colorless. A single dose is 1.5 mL.
-Storage: Store refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep in original package to protect from light.
Oral Administration
-Delay administration of Rotarix in infants with acute diarrhea or vomiting.
-Place the infant seated in a reclining position.
-Place the oral dosing applicator towards the inner cheek. Administer the entire contents into the infant's mouth.
-If the infant spits out or regurgitates most of the vaccine dose, consider a single replacement dose at the same vaccination visit.
-Dispose of the applicator and vaccine vial in a biohazard waste container.
Prior to administration of rotavirus vaccine, health care personnel should inform the parent, guardian, or responsible adult of the benefits and risks to the patient. This should include the provision of the rotavirus vaccine information statement and patient information from the manufacturer. The responsible adult should report any adverse reaction after vaccine administration to the health care provider. The US Department of Health and Human Services has established a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to accept all reports of suspected adverse events after the administration of any vaccine. This includes, but is not limited to, the reporting of events required by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. The toll-free number for VAERS is 800-822-7967.
Deaths that were reported across all RotaTeq clinical trials include 25 deaths in vaccine recipients compared to 27 deaths in placebo recipients. The most common cause of death was sudden infant death syndrome. In the Rotavirus Efficacy and Safety Trial (REST), no investigators blinded to treatment attributed deaths due to vaccination with RotaTeq. During the entire course of 8 clinical studies, 68 (0.19%) deaths after Rotarix administration to 36,755 patients and 50 (0.15%) deaths after placebo administration to 34,454 patients occurred. The most commonly reported cause of death after vaccination was pneumonia, which was observed in 19 (0.05%) Rotarix recipients and in 10 (0.03%) placebo recipients.
Transmission of vaccine viral strains to non-vaccinated contacts has been reported during the post-marketing period. Use caution when administering the vaccine to patients who are in close contact with immunodeficient individuals (see Contraindications/Precautions).
Fever is a common event reported after rotavirus vaccine administration; however, in clinical trials, the incidences reported were generally similar between the active vaccines and placebo. Safety information collected from parents/guardians of 6138 recipients of RotaTeq included reports of fever in 42.6% within 42 days of any dose compared to 42.8% of patients who received placebo (n = 5573). Additionally, detailed safety information of adverse effects occurring within the first week of administration was collected from a cohort of patients in phase 3 studies receiving rotavirus vaccine or placebo. Fever (>= 100.5 degrees F or 38.1 degrees C) was noted in roughly 17-20% of active treatment groups vs. 16-19% of placebo groups. In addition, in phase 3 clinical trials of RotaTeq, serious fever was reported in 0.1% of patients receiving both the vaccine and placebo. Fever also occurred in 25% of patients after the first dose of the Rotarix brand of rotavirus vaccine and 28% of patients after the second dose compared to 33% and 34% of patients receiving placebo. Among 36,150 infants who received RotaTeq in the phase 3 clinical trial, 5 cases of Kawasaki disease were noted. In contrast, 1 case was reported among 35,536 infants who received placebo. Three additional reports of Kawasaki disease have been noted through routine monitoring of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), and 1 unconfirmed case among 65,000 doses administered to children less than 1 year of age. However, the number of cases does not represent an increased risk over what would be expected to occur among children less than 1 year of age who did not receive the vaccine. Further, a known cause and effect relationship between rotavirus vaccine administration or any vaccine and the occurrence of Kawasaki disease does not exist. In placebo-controlled trials of Rotarix, Kawasaki disease was reported in 18 Rotarix recipients and in 9 placebo recipients for a relative risk of 1.71 (95% CI, 0.71-4.38). The time of onset of Kawasaki disease after Rotarix administration ranged from 3 days to 19 months. The etiology of Kawasaki disease has not been determined; the condition is characterized by high fever and inflammation of the blood vessels. Healthcare providers and other individuals are encouraged to report any cases of Kawasaki disease or other severe adverse events to the VAERS by calling 800-822-7967.
Adverse reactions after administration of rotavirus vaccine appear to be infrequent, and in many cases, the reported incidence of the event is similar to that of the placebo group. The safety of RotaTeq has been studied in over 70,000 infants who received the vaccine or placebo in three phase 3 clinical trials. Roughly 2.5% of infants in each group had a serious adverse event reported within the 42-day period of a dose. All serious adverse events occurred at an incidence of < 1%. The most frequently reported serious adverse events for rotavirus vaccine compared to placebo included bronchiolitis (0.6% rotavirus vaccine vs. 0.7% placebo), gastroenteritis (0.2 vs. 0.3%), pneumonia (0.2 vs. 0.2%), and urinary tract infection (0.1% vs. 0.1%). Additionally, detailed safety information was collected from a cohort of patients in phase 3 studies receiving Rotarix vaccine or placebo. Parents/guardians recorded the adverse event information daily during the first week after each of the 3 required doses. The size of each treatment or placebo group ranged from 4382 to 5616 infants. Except for an irritable behavior and hematochezia (red or maroon colored stools), all adverse events were reported with slightly higher frequencies in the active treatment groups. Irritability (7.1% after dose 1, 6% after dose 2, and 4.3% after dose 3) and hematochezia (0.6%) had similar incidences among treatment groups. Vomiting was reported in 3.6-6.7% of the active groups vs. 3.2-5.4% of placebo patients, with higher frequencies occurring with the first dose of the vaccine series. Diarrhea frequency ranged from 6.1-10.4% in the active groups vs. 5.4-9.1% of placebo patients, again with higher frequencies during the first dose. Adverse event frequencies occurring within 42 days of any vaccine dose (n = 6138) compared to placebo (n = 5573) were also monitored. Statistically higher incidences were seen for diarrhea (24.1% vaccine vs. 21.3% placebo); vomiting (15.2% vs.13.6%); otitis media (14.5% vs. 13%); nasopharyngitis (6.9% vs. 5.8%); and bronchospasm (1.1% vs. 0.7%). Among 2070 preterm infants (25-36 weeks gestational age), the following adverse events were reported within the first week of RotaTeq administration: irritability (3.9% after dose 1, 2.9% after dose 2, and 8.1% after dose 3), vomiting (5.8% after dose 1, 2.9% after dose 2, and 4.4% after dose 3), and diarrhea (6.5% after dose 1, 7.3% after dose 2, and 3.7% after dose 3). In regard to Rotarix, similar percentages of patients who received either Rotarix or placebo had irritability (42-52% vs. 42-52%), cough (28-31% vs. 30-33%), rhinorrhea (28-31% vs 30-33%), anorexia (21-25% vs 21-25%), vomiting (8-13% vs 8-11%), flatulence (2.2% vs 1.3%), or diarrhea (3-4% vs 3%).
The risk of intussusception (a GI obstruction in which one segment of the bowel becomes enfolded within another segment) with the use of currently available rotavirus vaccines has not been clearly determined, but both RV1 (Rotarix) and RV5 (RotaTeq) are contraindicated for use by patients with a history of intussusception. An increased risk of intussusception was reported with the previously licensed rotavirus vaccine: live-rhesus rotavirus-based vaccine (RRV-TV or RotaShield), which was withdrawn from the U.S. market in October 1999. In pre-marketing clinical trials, no increased risk of intussusception for RV1 or for RV5 was noted when compared to placebo. In a large phase 3 clinical trial with RV5, intussusception occurred in 13 vaccine recipients (n = 34,837) and in 15 placebo recipients (n = 34,788) within 1 year after the first dose. Intussusception was confirmed in 6 vaccine recipients and in 5 placebo recipients within a 42 day window after any dose; however, no cases were confirmed in any vaccine recipient within 42 days after the first dose, which was the period of highest risk for RRV-TV. The relative risk of intussusception among vaccine recipients, as compared to placebo recipients, was 1.6 (95% CI, 0.4-6.4) during the 42-day period after any dose, a result that met prespecified criteria for an acceptable safety profile. In trials of RV1, the risk of intussusception was evaluated in infants that received RV1 (n = 31,673) or placebo (n = 31,552). Six cases of intussusception within 31 days after any dose occurred with RV1 compared to 7 cases with placebo; in the 100 days following dose 1, 9 cases were reported with RV1 compared to 16 with placebo. Cases of intussusception have been reported in temporal association with RV1 and with RV5 during the post-marketing period; some cases have resulted in death. In a post-marketing surveillance study, cases of intussusception were noted in temporal association within 21 days after the first dose of RV5, with a clustering of cases in the first 7 days. These results showed approximately 1-1.5 excess cases of intussusception per 100,000 vaccinated US infants within 21 days after the first dose of RV5. In a prospective self-controlled cases series of 2 years duration in Mexico with observation of over 1 million infants, clustering of intussusception 1 week after dose 1 was observed in infants that received RV1; the relative incidence was 6.49 (95% CI 4.17-10.09, p < 0.001). The relative incidence of intussusception post-dose 2 was 1.29 (95% CI 0.8-2.11, p = 0.29), and within 31 days of vaccination was 1.75 (95% CI 1.24-2.48, p = 0.001). The attributable risk of intussusception within 1 week of dose 1 was approximated at 3-4 additional cases of intussusception per 100,000 vaccinated infants. This study did not take into account all medical conditions that may predispose the infant to intussusception. In the first year of life, the background rate for intussusception hospitalizations in the US is approximately 34 per 100,000 infants. The risk of intussusception within 21 days after the first dose must be balanced with the well-documented benefits of rotavirus vaccine. An increased risk of intussusception was not detected in US infants who received RV5 in a prospective cohort study. During the study, 786,725 doses (309,844 first doses) were administered. Following dose 1, intussusception occurred in 7 infants, compared to 5.7 expected cases in infants who received other vaccines without concomitant RV5; for 30 days following all RV5 doses, 21 cases of intussusception occurred compared to 20.9 expected cases. In a large post-marketing database US safety study (n = 85,150) of RV5, an increased risk of intussusception was not detected; intussusception occurred in 6 patients within 30 days of receiving any RV5 dose compared with 5 cases in a concurrent DTaP control group (relative risk 0.8, 95% CI, 0.22-3.52). Administration of the first and last doses at different age ranges within the recommended age window has not demonstrated any impact on intussusception frequency.
Seizures reported as serious adverse events occurred in < 0.1% (n > 70,000) of rotavirus vaccine (RotaTeq) or placebo recipients in phase 3 clinical trials; the differences were not statistically significant. Febrile seizures occurred in 5 patients in each group.
Adverse events reported with post-marketing use of rotavirus vaccine have included anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, urticaria (RotaTeq) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (Rotarix).
Rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix and Rotateq) is contraindicated in patients with a demonstrated history of hypersensitivity to any vaccine component. Do not administer further doses to infants who develop symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity. Determine prior vaccine history and current health status before administration of rotavirus vaccine. Patients with latex hypersensitivity may be inappropriate candidates for Rotarix. The tip caps of the prefilled oral applicators contain natural latex rubber. The vial stoppers are latex-free. Ensure appropriate medical treatment is immediately available in the event of a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine.
The rotavirus vaccine should never be administered by parenteral administration; it is for oral use only.
Safety and efficacy of Rotateq have not been established in neonates and infants less than 6 weeks or greater than 32 weeks of age. The safety and effectiveness of Rotarix in infants younger than 6 weeks or older than 24 weeks of age have not been evaluated. The use of Rotateq in premature infants was studied in the REST trial (see Adverse Events). Doses were given according to their age in weeks since birth. The effectiveness of Rotarix in premature infants has not been established, but safety data are available in premature infants with a reported gestational age of 36 weeks or less. Serious adverse events were observed in 5.2% of 134 Rotarix recipients and in 5% of 120 placebo recipients. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) supports vaccination of premature infants according to the same schedule and precautions as full-term infants (see Dosage) under the following conditions: the infant's chronological age meets the age requirements, the infant is clinically stable, and the vaccine is administered at the time of discharge or after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit or nursery. The ACIP also recommends cautious use of rotavirus vaccine in infants with known immunodeficiencies as safety and efficacy data are not available. Healthcare providers should consider the risks and benefits of administering rotavirus vaccine to immunocompromised infants; consultation with an immunologist or infectious diseases specialist is advised (see altered immunocompetence discussion). Transmission of vaccine virus strains from vaccinees to non-vaccinated contacts has been observed post-marketing.
Febrile illness may be reason for delaying use of RotaTeq except when, in the opinion of the physician, withholding the vaccine entails a greater risk. Low-grade fever (< 100.5 degrees F or 38.1 degrees C) itself and mild upper respiratory infection do not preclude vaccination with RotaTeq. According to the ACIP, infants with moderate-to-severe illness should be vaccinated as soon as they have recovered from the acute phase of the illness. Vaccination deferral during a moderate or severe illness avoids superimposing adverse effects of the vaccine on the underlying illness or mistakenly attributing a manifestation of the underlying illness to the vaccine. The ACIP recommends that the rotavirus vaccine not be administered to infants with acute, moderate-to-severe gastroenteritis until the condition improves. Infants with mild acute gastroenteritis can be vaccinated, especially if the delay in vaccination might make the child ineligible to receive vaccine (see Dosage). As no efficacy or safety data are available in infants with on-going acute gastrointestinal illness including chronic diarrhea or vomiting, cautious administration of RotaTeq is advised. Delay administration of Rotarix in infants suffering from acute diarrhea or vomiting. Rotavirus vaccine has not been studied among infants with concurrent acute gastroenteritis. Theoretically, the immunogenicity and efficacy of rotavirus vaccine can be compromised. For example, infants who receive oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) during an episode of acute gastroenteritis in some instances have diminished poliovirus antibody responses to OPV. Infants who have had rotavirus gastroenteritis before receiving the full course of rotavirus vaccine should still initiate or complete the dosing schedule because the initial infection frequently provides only partial immunity. However, no data are available on post-exposure prophylaxis with RotaTeq. Also, the safety and effectiveness of Rotarix administered after exposure to rotavirus have not been evaluated.
The rotavirus vaccines RV1 (Rotarix) and RV5 (RotaTeq) are contraindicated for use by infants with a history of intussusception. In 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of RV1 or RV5, the risk of intussusception after immunization was no greater in infants that received the vaccines compared to those who received placebo. However, intussusception has been temporally associated with rotavirus vaccine during post-marketing experience; some cases have resulted in death. In a post-marketing surveillance study, cases of intussusception were noted in temporal association within 21 days after the first dose of RV5, with a clustering of cases in the first 7 days. These results showed approximately 1-1.5 excess cases of intussusception per 100,000 vaccinated US infants within 21 days after the first dose of RV5. In a previous prospective, post-marketing, observational cohort study, a statistically significantly higher risk of intussusception was not noted for those who received RV5 compared with those in the DTaP control group. RV1 is also contraindicated for use by patients with GI disease who have a history of uncorrected congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract such as Meckel's diverticulum that would predispose the infant for intussusception. Infants with preexisting, chronic GI conditions who are not undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should benefit from rotavirus vaccination; the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) considers benefits to outweigh the theoretical risks. However, the safety and efficacy of rotavirus vaccine have not been established for infants with preexisting conditions such as congenital malabsorption syndrome; Hirschsprung's disease; short-gut syndrome; persistent vomiting of unknown cause; chronic diarrhea; failure to thrive; a history of congenital abdominal disorders; or abdominal surgery. The use of rotavirus vaccine in infants with controlled gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is supported by data from clinical trials.
The rotavirus vaccines RV1 (Rotarix) and RV5 (RotaTeq) are contraindicated for use by patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Reports of gastroenteritis, including severe diarrhea and prolonged shedding of vaccine virus, have been reported post-marketing in infants who were administered RV5 and later identified as having SCID. Caution is advised when considering whether to administer the rotavirus vaccine to individuals with immunodeficient close contacts; transmission of vaccine virus strains from vaccinees to non-vaccinated contacts has been observed. In RV5 studies, rotavirus shedding in the stool was observed as early as 1 day and as late as 15 days after a dose, with up to 8.9% of 360 infants experiencing shedding post-dose. In RV1 studies, peak shedding occurred around day 7 after dose 1, and 18.8% (95% CI 10.9-29) of twin infants who did not receive RV1 tested positive for the virus in their stool after their twin received rotavirus vaccine. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) generally favors vaccination of the infant in order to protect the vaccinee and contacts against rotavirus gastroenteritis. ACIP recommends that persons with most forms of immunosuppression should not receive rotavirus vaccine themselves until immune function improves because of a risk of severe or prolonged gastroenteritis. In addition to an increased risk of gastroenteritis, immunosuppression may reduce the immune response to rotavirus vaccine. Potentially immunocompromised patients include those with blood dyscrasias or any neoplastic disease that causes bone marrow suppression or affects the lymphatic system such as leukemia or lymphoma; those receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy; those on immunosuppressive therapy such as high-dose systemic corticosteroids; cellular immune deficiencies; hypogammaglobulinemic and dysgammaglobulinemic states (e.g., hypogammaglobulinemia, agammaglobulinemia); and those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In support of vaccinating HIV-exposed or infected infants, the ACIP suggests healthcare providers consider that the vaccine undergoes considerable attenuation and that the diagnosis of HIV might not be established before the first scheduled dose of rotavirus vaccine. Corticosteroid therapy usually is not a contraindication to administering live-virus vaccines when administration is short-term (< 2 weeks); a low-to-moderate dose (< 2 mg/kg of body weight or 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent for persons who weigh > 10 kg when administered for < 2 weeks); long-term, alternate-day treatment with short-acting preparations; maintenance physiologic doses (replacement therapy); or when administered topically (skin, eyes), inhaled, or by local injection. Healthcare providers should wait at least 1 month after discontinuation of high dose corticosteroid therapy given for more than 2 weeks before administering rotavirus vaccine. Blood products, including antibody containing products, are not considered contraindications for the rotavirus vaccine. Rotavirus vaccine may be administered to eligible infants before, concurrent with, or after administration of any blood product. Patients with leukemia, lymphoma, or other neoplastic disease whose disease is in remission and whose chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been terminated for at least 3 months can receive live-virus vaccines.
No adequate and well-controlled studies have been conducted during human pregnancy and the ability of the vaccine to cause fetal harm or affect reproductive capacity is unknown. According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the administration of live virus vaccines to pregnant women pose a theoretical risk to the fetus and, therefore, should be avoided. The rotavirus vaccine is not indicated for use in adults.
No human or animal data are available to assess the impact of rotavirus on milk production, its presence in breast milk, or its effect on the breast-feeding infant. The rotavirus vaccine is not indicated for use in adults and it is unknown whether passive immunity would be obtained in an infant if the vaccine were administered to the lactating mother. According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), live virus vaccines do not affect the safety of breast-feeding; however health care providers are advised that, although attenuated, the potential of transmitting live viruses to the infant through breast milk exists.
General dosing information:
-The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) does not express a preference for the use of RV1 (Rotarix) or RV5 (RotaTeq) for rotavirus prophylaxis. RV5 protects against rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by the serotypes G1, G2, G3, G4, and G9, while RV1 protects against rotavirus gastroenteritis caused by the serotypes G1, G3, G4, and G9.
-No data are available on the degree of protection against rotavirus disease provided if the full series is not received.
-Infants who have had rotavirus gastroenteritis before receiving the full course of rotavirus vaccinations should still initiate or complete the 3-dose schedule because the initial infection frequently provides only partial immunity. No data are available on post-exposure prophylaxis with rotavirus vaccine.
-It is recommended that the same brand of rotavirus vaccine be given for the entire immunization series since no safety and efficacy data regarding interchangeability are available. Do not defer completion of the immunization series if a previous product given is not available or unknown; continue to complete the series with available product. If the previous vaccine product is unknown or if any known dose in the previous series was RV5 (RotaTeq), a total of 3 doses should be administered.
-If a first dose of the vaccine is inadvertently given at 15 weeks of age or older, the series may be completed before age 8 months, 0 days according to ACIP and manufacturer immunization recommendations.
-Use caution in infants born to female patients who received IgG antibodies (e.g., infliximab) during pregnancy, as IgG antibodies have been detected in the serum of infants up to 6 months of age. The risk of infection with live vaccine use may be greater in this patient population.
For rotavirus infection prophylaxis:
Oral dosage (RotaTeq):
Infants 6 to 32 weeks: 2 mL PO for 3 doses with an interval of at least 4 weeks between doses, ideally given at 2, 4, and 6 months. The first dose may be given as young as 6 weeks. The maximum age recommended by ACIP for administration of the first dose in the series is 14 weeks, 6 days; the FDA-approved product labeling recommends administration by 12 weeks. The maximum age for the final dose is 8 months, 0 days. Do not initiate the series if the infant is 15 weeks and older. If an incomplete dose is administered for any reason, a replacement dose is not recommended. Clinically stable premature infants may be vaccinated according to chronological age using the same schedule as long as the vaccine is administered at the time of discharge or after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit or nursery.
Oral dosage (Rotarix vial and oral dosing applicator presentation):
NOTE: Rotarix is supplied in 2 presentations, a vial and oral dosing applicator that requires reconstitution and an oral dosing applicator only that does not require reconstitution. Dosage is dependent on the presentation used.
Infants 25 to 32 weeks*: 1 mL PO for last dose in series with an interval of at least 4 weeks between doses; do not initiate series in patients older than 14 weeks, 6 days. The maximum age recommended by ACIP for final dose administration is 8 months, 0 days; however, the product labeling recommends completion by 24 weeks. If an incomplete dose is administered for any reason, a replacement dose is not recommended by ACIP, although the product labeling states that a single replacement dose may be considered.
Infants 6 to 24 weeks: 1 mL PO for 2 doses with an interval at least 4 weeks between doses, ideally given at 2 and 4 months. The first dose in the series may be given as young as 6 weeks; the maximum age for administration is 14 weeks, 6 days. The maximum age recommended by ACIP for final dose administration is 8 months, 0 days; however, the FDA-approved product labeling recommends completion by 24 weeks. Do not initiate the series if the infant is 15 weeks and older. If an incomplete dose is administered for any reason, a replacement dose is not recommended by ACIP, although the product labeling states that a single replacement dose may be considered. Clinically stable premature infants may be vaccinated according to chronological age using the same schedule as long as the vaccine is administered at the time of discharge or after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit or nursery.
Oral dosage (Rotarix oral dosing applicator only presentation):
NOTE: Rotarix is supplied in 2 presentations, a vial and oral dosing applicator that requires reconstitution and an oral dosing applicator only that does not require reconstitution. Dosage is dependent on the presentation used.
Infants 25 to 32 weeks*: 1.5 mL PO for last dose in series with an interval of at least 4 weeks between doses; do not initiate series in patients older than 14 weeks, 6 days. The maximum age recommended by ACIP for final dose administration is 8 months, 0 days; however, the product labeling recommends completion by 24 weeks. If an incomplete dose is administered for any reason, a replacement dose is not recommended by ACIP, although the product labeling states that a single replacement dose may be considered.
Infants 6 to 24 weeks: 1.5 mL PO for 2 doses with an interval at least 4 weeks between doses, ideally given at 2 and 4 months. The first dose in the series may be given as young as 6 weeks; the maximum age for administration is 14 weeks, 6 days. The maximum age recommended by ACIP for final dose administration is 8 months, 0 days; however, the FDA-approved product labeling recommends completion by 24 weeks. Do not initiate the series if the infant is 15 weeks and older. If an incomplete dose is administered for any reason, a replacement dose is not recommended by ACIP, although the product labeling states that a single replacement dose may be considered. Clinically stable premature infants may be vaccinated according to chronological age using the same schedule as long as the vaccine is administered at the time of discharge or after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit or nursery.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
-Adults
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Geriatric
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Adolescents
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Children
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Infants
Older than 32 weeks: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
6 to 32 weeks: 2 mL/dose PO of RV5 (RotaTeq); 1.5 mL/dose PO of RV1 (Rotarix oral dosing applicator only); 1 mL/dose PO of RV1 (Rotarix vial and oral dosing applicator).
Younger than 6 weeks: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Neonates
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
*non-FDA-approved indication
Abatacept: (Contraindicated) If possible, administer all needed vaccines before abatacept initiation. Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with abatacept or within 3 months of its discontinuation. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased and adjusted doses or boosters that are more frequent may be required. The immune response to an inactive vaccine may still be suboptimal. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Abrocitinib: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines with immunosuppressive drug therapy and prior to immune recovery following treatment with immunosuppressive drug therapy. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least four weeks before planned immunosuppression or wait until at least three months after discontinuation. The time to restoration of immune competence may be longer in some patients. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Adalimumab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to adalimumab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving adalimumab. Before initiation of adalimumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Adalimumab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Albuterol; Budesonide: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Alemtuzumab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to alemtuzumab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving alemtuzumab. At least 6 weeks before initiation of alemtuzumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Alemtuzumab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Alkylating agents: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Alpha interferons: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient, including those receiving Interferon therapy. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Anakinra: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with anakinra due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during anakinra treatment has not been established. Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient, as they may induce the illness they are intended to prevent. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving anakinra. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of anakinra therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Anifrolumab: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with anifrolumab; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving anifrolumab. Before initiation of anifrolumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines.
Antimetabolites: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Antithymocyte Globulin: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Axicabtagene Ciloleucel: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines in the six weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during axicabtagene ciloleucel therapy, and prior to immune recovery following treatment with axicabtagene ciloleucel. Patients with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving or those that have recently received immunosuppressive drug therapy, may be at increased risk for an adverse reaction because of uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Azathioprine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Baricitinib: (Major) Do not administer live virus vaccines to patients taking baricitinib, as no data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines. Also, no data are available on the response to vaccination with any vaccine during baricitinib receipt. Before baricitinib initiation, review the vaccination status of patients, and update immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines.
Basiliximab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to basiliximab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving basiliximab. At least 2 weeks before initiation of basiliximab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Basiliximab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Belatacept: (Contraindicated) Avoid the use of live vaccines such as the intranasal influenza vaccine; measles/mumps/rubella vaccines, MMR; Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Live, BCG; yellow fever vaccine; oral polio vaccine; varicella virus vaccine live; and TY21a typhoid vaccine during belatacept treatment. Further, inactive vaccine receipt may not illicit an acceptable response; belatacept may blunt the effectiveness of some immunizations. Consult the most current CDC guidances for vaccination recommendations.
Belimumab: (Major) Live vaccines should not be given for 30 days before or concurrently with belimumab, as clinical safety has not been established. Because of its mechanism of action, belimumab may interfere with the response to immunizations. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines. Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Betamethasone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Bexarotene: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Bimekizumab: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines with immunosuppressive drug therapy and prior to immune recovery following treatment with immunosuppressive drug therapy. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least four weeks before planned immunosuppression or wait until at least three months after discontinuation. The time to restoration of immune competence may be longer in some patients. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Blinatumomab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to blinatumomab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving blinatumomab. At least 2 weeks before initiation of blinatumomab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Blinatumomab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Brexucabtagene Autoleucel : (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines in the six weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during brexucabtagene autoleucel therapy, and prior to immune recovery following treatment with brexucabtagene autoleucel. Patients with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving or those that have recently received immunosuppressive drug therapy, may be at increased risk for an adverse reaction because of uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Brodalumab: (Major) Avoid administration of live vaccines to brodalumab recipients. Before initiation of brodalumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available on the response to live or inactive vaccines in patients receiving brodalumab therapy.
Budesonide: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Budesonide; Formoterol: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Budesonide; Glycopyrrolate; Formoterol: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Busulfan: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Canakinumab: (Major) Do not administer live vaccines to a patient who is receiving canakinumab; other vaccination schedules should be complete as recommended prior to initiating canakinumab treatment. No data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines, and the efficacy and safety of live vaccines have not been established in patients receiving canakinumab. The immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased, as canakinumab may interfere with normal immune response to new antigens. Limited data are available on the effectiveness of vaccination with inactivated antigens in patients receiving canakinumab. Because interleukin-1 blockade may interfere with immune response to infections, it is recommended that prior to initiation of therapy with canakinumab, adult and pediatric patients receive any recommended vaccination (including pneumococcal vaccine and inactivated influenza vaccines).
Carmustine, BCNU: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Certolizumab pegol: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines concurrently with certolizumab. No data are available on the response to vaccinations or to the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving certolizumab. Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Chlorambucil: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines in the six weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during ciltacabtagene autoleucel therapy, and prior to immune recovery following treatment with ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Patients with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving or those that have recently received immunosuppressive drug therapy, may be at increased risk for an adverse reaction because of uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Cisplatin: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to cisplatin recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving cisplatin. At least 2 weeks before initiation of cisplatin therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Cisplatin recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Cladribine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Clofarabine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Corticosteroids (systemic): (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Corticotropin, ACTH: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Cortisone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Cyclosporine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Cytarabine, ARA-C: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to cytarabine recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving cytarabine. At least 2 weeks before initiation of cytarabine therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Cytarabine recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Cytomegalovirus Immune Globulin, CMV-IGIV: (Major) Defer vaccination with live virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine until approximately 3 months after Cytomegalovirus immune globulin administration. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with the immune globulin so that appropriate measures can be taken. The efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine may be impaired by Cytomegalovirus immune globulin administration; revaccination may be necessary. The passive transfer of antibodies from the immune globulin may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines.
Dacarbazine, DTIC: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Deflazacort: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Deucravacitinib: (Major) Avoid administration of live vaccines to deucravacitinib recipients. Before initiation of deucravacitinib therapy, consider completion of all age-appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available on the response to live vaccines in patients receiving deucravacitinib therapy.
Dexamethasone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Docetaxel: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to docetaxel recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving docetaxel. At least 2 weeks before initiation of docetaxel therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Docetaxel recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Dupilumab: (Major) Avoid administration of live vaccines to dupilumab recipients. Before initiation of dupilumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available on the response to live vaccines in patients receiving dupilumab therapy.
Efgartigimod Alfa: (Major) Avoid the use of live vaccines and live attenuated vaccines during efgartigimod treatment. Live vaccinations may be less effective during efgartigimod treatment and may carry the risk of infection. Administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating efgartigimod.
Efgartigimod Alfa; Hyaluronidase: (Major) Avoid the use of live vaccines and live attenuated vaccines during efgartigimod treatment. Live vaccinations may be less effective during efgartigimod treatment and may carry the risk of infection. Administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating efgartigimod.
Elivaldogene Autotemcel: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to live vaccines. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least six weeks prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Emapalumab: (Major) Do not administer live or live attenuated vaccines to patients receiving emapalumab and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of emapalumab. The safety of immunization with live vaccines during or after emapalumab therapy has not been studied.
Estramustine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Etanercept: (Contraindicated) Etanercept has not been found to act as a general immunosuppressant; however, the patient's underlying disease state may result in the immunosuppression. Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Everolimus: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to everolimus recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving everolimus. Before initiation of everolimus therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Everolimus recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Fingolimod: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to a patient who is receiving fingolimod or has discontinued the drug in the last 2 months because of the risk of infection. No data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines, and the efficacy and safety of live vaccines have not been established in patients receiving fingolimod. Before fingolimod initiation, test patients without a history of chickenpox or without vaccination against varicella zoster virus (VZV) for antibodies to VZV. Consider VZV vaccination of antibody-negative patients before fingolimod initiation, and do not start fingolimod for 1 month to allow the full effect of vaccination to occur. In addition to the concerns with live virus vaccines, the immune response to inactive vaccines or toxoids may be decreased, as fingolimod may interfere with normal immune response to new antigens. No data are available on the effectiveness of vaccination with inactivated antigens in patients receiving fingolimod. Vaccination may be less effective during and for up to 2 months after fingolimod discontinuation. For example, as compared with the response of placebo recipients, the capacity to mount a skin delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to Candida and to tetanus toxoid was decreased by approximately 30% among fingolimod 0.5 mg daily recipients. Further, in healthy patients, antigen-specific IgM titers were decreased by 25% in response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV-23) immunization as compared with the response by placebo recipients. Similarly, IgG titers were decreased by 50% among fingolimod recipients as compared with placebo.
Floxuridine: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to floxuridine recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving floxuridine. At least 2 weeks before initiation of floxuridine therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Floxuridine recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Fludarabine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Fluorouracil, 5-FU: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to fluorouracil recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving fluorouracil. At least 2 weeks before initiation of fluorouracil therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Fluorouracil recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Folate analogs: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Golimumab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to golimumab recipients. Limited data are available on the response to live vaccination or on the risk of infection or infection transmission after the administration. Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Guselkumab: (Major) Avoid use of live vaccines in patients being treated with guselkumab; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving guselkumab. In addition, guselkumab may decrease the vaccine-induced immune response. Before initiation of guselkumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines.
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin, HBIG: (Major) Defer vaccination with live virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine until approximately 3 months after Hepatitis B immune globulin administration. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with the immune globulin so that appropriate measures can be taken. The efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine may be impaired by Hepatitis B immune globulin administration; revaccination may be necessary. The passive transfer of antibodies from the immune globulin may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines.
Hyaluronidase, Recombinant; Immune Globulin: (Major) Efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as Rotavirus may be impaired by immune globulin administration; revaccination may be necessary. As the passive transfer of antibodies may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines, defer vaccination with live virus vaccines until approximately 3 months after immune globulin administration. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with immune globulin so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Hydrocortisone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Hydroxyurea: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Idecabtagene Vicleucel: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines in the six weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during idecabtagene vicleucel therapy, and prior to immune recovery following treatment with idecabtagene vicleucell. Patients with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving or those that have recently received immunosuppressive drug therapy, may be at increased risk for an adverse reaction because of uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Ifosfamide: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to ifosfamide recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving ifosfamide. Before initiation of ifosfamide therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Ifosfamide recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Imatinib: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Immune Globulin IV, IVIG, IGIV: (Major) Efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as Rotavirus may be impaired by immune globulin administration; revaccination may be necessary. As the passive transfer of antibodies may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines, defer vaccination with live virus vaccines until approximately 3 months after immune globulin administration. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with immune globulin so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Inebilizumab: (Major) Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks before initiation of inebilizumab. Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion. In a neonate or infant with in utero exposure to inebilizumab, do not administer live or live-attenuated vaccines before confirming recovery of B-cell counts in the infant. Depletion of B-cells in the exposed infant may increase the risks from live or live-attenuated vaccines.
Infliximab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to infliximab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving infliximab. Before initiation of infliximab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Infliximab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Interferon Alfa-2b: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient, including those receiving Interferon therapy. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Interferon Alfa-n3: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient, including those receiving Interferon therapy. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Interferon Gamma-1b: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of interferon gamma-1b with other immunological preparations such as live vaccines due to the risk of an unpredictable or amplified, immune response.
Ixabepilone: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Ixekizumab: (Major) Do not administer live vaccines to ixekizumab recipients. Before initiation of ixekizumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available on the response to live or inactive vaccines in patients receiving Ixekizumab therapy.
Leflunomide: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Lenalidomide: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Leniolisib: (Moderate) Patients receiving leniolisib may have a diminished response to live vaccines. Counsel patients receiving leniolisib about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Lisocabtagene Maraleucel: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines in the six weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during lisocabtagene maraleucel therapy, and prior to immune recovery following treatment with lisocabtagene maraleucel. Patients with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving or those that have recently received immunosuppressive drug therapy, may be at increased risk for an adverse reaction because of uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Lomustine, CCNU: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Mechlorethamine, Nitrogen Mustard: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Melphalan Flufenamide: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines in patients who are receiving melphalan. Patients with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving or those that have recently received immunosuppressive drug therapy, may be at increased risk for an adverse reaction because of uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period or altered immunocompetence.
Melphalan: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines in patients who are receiving melphalan. Patients with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving or those that have recently received immunosuppressive drug therapy, may be at increased risk for an adverse reaction because of uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period or altered immunocompetence.
Mercaptopurine, 6-MP: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Methotrexate: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Methylprednisolone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Mitoxantrone: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to mitoxantrone recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving mitoxantrone. At least 2 weeks before initiation of mitoxantrone therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Mitoxantrone recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Mycophenolate: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to mycophenolate recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving mycophenolate. At least 2 weeks before initiation of mycophenolate therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Mycophenolate recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Sirolimus: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to sirolimus recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving sirolimus. At least 2 weeks before initiation of sirolimus therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Sirolimus recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Natalizumab: (Contraindicated) The immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased in patients who receive natalizumab; however, no data are available. Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Nelarabine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Nilotinib: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Obinutuzumab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to obinutuzumab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving obinutuzumab. Before initiation of obinutuzumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Obinutuzumab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Ocrelizumab: (Major) Due to the lack of clinical information related to the safety and efficacy of vaccine administration during ocrelizumab use, vaccination with live vaccines or live-attenuated vaccines is not recommended in patients taking ocrelizumab. Withhold vaccination with live or live-attenuated virus vaccines to patients during ocrelizumab treatment and until B-cell repletion. Administer all live or live-attenuated vaccinations according to current vaccination guidelines at least 4 weeks before initiation of ocrelizumab. Do not administer live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants born to mothers exposed to ocrelizumab during pregnancy before confirming B-cell count recovery as measured by CD19+ B-cells. ACIP recommends that patients receiving any vaccination during immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated a minimum of 3 months after discontinuation of therapy. Passive immunoprophylaxis with immune globulins may be indicated for immunocompromised persons instead of, or in addition to, vaccination.
Ofatumumab: (Major) Administer all live and live-attenuated vaccines according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks before initiation of ofatumumab. Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with ofatumumab; wait until B-cell recovery occurs after discontinuation of ofatumumab before administering these vaccines to a patient.
Ozanimod: (Major) Avoid the use of live vaccines and live attenuated vaccines during ozanimod treatment and for up to 3 months after discontinuation of ozanimod treatment. Live vaccinations may be less effective during ozanimod treatment and also may carry the risk of infection.
Paclitaxel: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to paclitaxel recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving paclitaxel. At least 2 weeks before initiation of paclitaxel therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Paclitaxel recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Peginterferon Alfa-2a: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient, including those receiving Interferon therapy. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Peginterferon Alfa-2b: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient, including those receiving Interferon therapy. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Pemetrexed: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Pentostatin: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Ponesimod: (Contraindicated) Avoid vaccines containing live virus (live attenuated vaccines) during treatment with ponesimod. If a live attenuated vaccine is required, administer at least 1 month (4 weeks) before initiation of ponesimod. The use of live attenuated vaccines may carry the risk of infection and should therefore be avoided during ponesimod treatment and for 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of ponesimod. During treatment, and for up to 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of ponesimod, vaccinations may also be less effective.
Pralatrexate: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Prednisolone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Prednisone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Procarbazine: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Purine analogs: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Rabies Immune Globulin, human RIG: (Major) Defer immunization with rotavirus pentavalent live vaccine for 4 months after rabies immune globulin, human RIG administration. Antibodies in RIG may interfere with the immune response to the live virus vaccine. According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, if the rotavirus pentavalent live vaccine is administered less than 4 months after receipt of RIG, the vaccine dose should be repeated unless serologic testing is feasible and indicates a response to the vaccine. The repeat dose and serologic tests must be performed 4 months or more after RIG administration.
Rh0 [D] Immune Globulin: (Major) Defer vaccination with live virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine until approximately 3 months after Rh0 [D] immune globulin administration. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with Rh0 [D] immune globulin so that appropriate measures can be taken. The efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine may be impaired by Rh0 [D] immune globulin administration; revaccination may be necessary. The passive transfer of antibodies from the immune globulin may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccine.
Rilonacept: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to a patient who is receiving rilonacept. No data are available regarding the use of live vaccines during rilonacept treatment. Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Risankizumab: (Major) Avoid administration of live vaccines to risankizumab recipients. Before initiation of risankizumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available on the response to live or inactive vaccines in patients receiving risankizumab therapy.
Ritlecitinib: (Contraindicated) Avoid administering live virus vaccines with immunosuppressive drug therapy and prior to immune recovery following treatment with immunosuppressive drug therapy. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least four weeks before planned immunosuppression or wait until at least three months after discontinuation. The time to restoration of immune competence may be longer in some patients. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Rituximab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to rituximab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving rituximab. At least 4 weeks before initiation of rituximab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Rituximab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Rituximab; Hyaluronidase: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to rituximab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving rituximab. At least 4 weeks before initiation of rituximab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Rituximab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Ropeginterferon alfa-2b: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient, including those receiving Interferon therapy. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Sarilumab: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with sarilumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during sarilumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving sarilumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of sarilumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Satralizumab: (Major) Administer all live vaccines according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks before initiation of satralizumab. Vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with satralizumab.
Secukinumab: (Major) Do not administer live vaccines to secukinumab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving secukinumab. Before initiation of secukinumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Secukinumab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased. Similar antibody responses were seen when healthy individuals who received a single 150 mg dose of secukinumab 2 weeks before vaccination with a non-US approved group C meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine and a non-US approved inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine. The efficacy of meningococcal and influenza vaccines has not been evaluated in patients undergoing treatment with secukinumab.
Siltuximab: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to siltuximab recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving siltuximab. Before initiation of siltuximab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Siltuximab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Siponimod: (Major) Avoid the use of live vaccines during treatment with siponomid and for 4 weeks after stopping treatment due to the risk of secondary infection. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during siponimod treatment and for 4 weeks after siponimod treatment discontinuation.
Sirolimus: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to sirolimus recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving sirolimus. At least 2 weeks before initiation of sirolimus therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Sirolimus recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Spesolimab: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live vaccines during and for at least 16 weeks after spesolimab treatment. Before initiation of spesolimab therapy, consider completion of all age-appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available on the response to live vaccines in patients receiving spesolimab therapy.
Streptozocin: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Tacrolimus: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to tacrolimus recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving tacrolimus. At least 2 weeks before initiation of tacrolimus therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Tacrolimus recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Temozolomide: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Temsirolimus: (Contraindicated) The use of live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with temsirolimus. Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Teriflunomide: (Major) Due to the lack of clinical information related to the safety and efficacy of vaccine administration during teriflunomide use, concomitant vaccination with live vaccines is not recommended. The long half-life of teriflunomide should be considered when contemplating administration of a live vaccine after stopping the medication if the teriflunomide drug elimination procedure has not been performed.
Tetanus Immune Globulin, Human, TIG: (Major) Defer vaccination with live virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine until approximately 3 months after Tetanus immune globulin administration. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with the immune globulin so that appropriate measures can be taken. The efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine may be impaired by Tetanus immune globulin administration; revaccination may be necessary. The passive transfer of antibodies from the immune globulin may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines.
Tezepelumab: (Major) Avoid administration of live vaccines to tezepelumab recipients. Before initiation of tezepelumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available regarding the response to live vaccines in patients receiving tezepelumab therapy.
Thioguanine, 6-TG: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Thiotepa: (Contraindicated) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Tildrakizumab: (Major) Avoid administration of live vaccines to tildrakizumab recipients. Before initiation of tildrakizumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available on the response to live or inactive vaccines in patients receiving tildrakizumab therapy.
Tisagenlecleucel: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live virus vaccines in the six weeks prior to the start of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, during tisagenlecleucel therapy, and prior to immune recovery following treatment with tisagenlecleucel. Patients with altered immunocompetence, including those receiving or those that have recently received immunosuppressive drug therapy, may be at increased risk for an adverse reaction because of uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Tocilizumab: (Major) Avoid concurrent use of live vaccines during treatment with tocilizumab due to potentially increased risk of infections; clinical safety of live vaccines during tocilizumab treatment has not been established. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection from persons receiving live vaccines to patients receiving tocilizumab. The interval between live vaccinations and initiation of tocilizumab therapy should be in accordance with current vaccination guidelines regarding immunosuppressive agents.
Tofacitinib: (Major) Do not administer live virus vaccines to patients taking tofacitinib, as no data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines. Also, no data are available on the response to vaccination with any vaccine during tofacitinib receipt. Before tofacitinib initiation, review the vaccination status of patients, and update immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines.
Tralokinumab: (Major) Avoid administration of live vaccines to tralokinumab recipients. Before initiation of tralokinumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. No data are available on the response to live vaccines in patients receiving tralokinumab therapy.
Triamcinolone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Ublituximab: (Contraindicated) Avoid administration of live vaccines with immunosuppressive drug therapy and prior to immune recovery following treatment with immunosuppressive drug therapy. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least four weeks before planned immunosuppression or wait until at least three months after discontinuation. The time to restoration of immune competence may be longer in some patients. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccines may be less effective if administered during a period of altered immunocompetence.
Upadacitinib: (Major) Avoid use of live vaccines during or immediately prior to upadacitinib therapy initiation. Before initiating upadacitinib, it is recommended that patients be brought up to date with all immunizations, including varicella zoster or prophylactic herpes zoster vaccinations, in agreement with current vaccination guidelines.
Ustekinumab: (Contraindicated) If possible, administer all recommended vaccines before ustekinumab initiation. Ustekinumab recipients may receive inactive vaccines, but the elicited immune response may be insufficient to prevent disease. Do not administer live vaccines to a ustekinumab recipient. Furthermore, do not administer BCG live vaccines for either 1 year before or 1 year after ustekinumab receipt, due to the infectious risk for Mycobacteria. No data are available on the response to live vaccination or on the risk of infection or infection transmission after the administration of other live vaccines to ustekinumab recipients. Cautious administration of ustekinumab to household contacts of ustekinumab recipients may be warranted due to the potential risk for shedding from the household contact and transmission to the patient. Practitioners should also refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
Vaccinia Immune Globulin, VIG: (Major) Defer vaccination with live attenuated virus vaccines until approximately 3 months after administration of vaccinia immune globulin (VIG). Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with the immune globulin so that appropriate measures can be taken. The efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines may be impaired by vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) administration; revaccination may be necessary. The passive transfer of antibodies from the immune globulin may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines.
Vamorolone: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin: (Major) Defer vaccination with live virus vaccines until approximately 3 months after Varicella Zoster immune globulin administration. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with varicella-zoster immune globulin, so that appropriate measures can be taken. The efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines such as Rotavirus Vaccine may be impaired by Varicella Zoster immune globulin administration; revaccination may be necessary. The passive transfer of antibodies from the immune globulin may impair the efficacy of live attenuated virus vaccines.
Vedolizumab: (Major) Avoid administering live vaccines to vedolizumab recipients unless the benefits outweigh the risks; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving vedolizumab. Before initiation of vedolizumab therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Vedolizumab recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Venetoclax: (Major) Avoid live vaccines to venetoclax recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving venetoclax. Before initiation of venetoclax therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Venetoclax recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Vincristine Liposomal: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to vincristine recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving vincristine. At least 2 weeks before initiation of vincristine therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Vincristine recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Vincristine: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to vincristine recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving vincristine. At least 2 weeks before initiation of vincristine therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Vincristine recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Vinorelbine: (Contraindicated) Do not administer live vaccines to vinorelbine recipients; no data are available regarding the risk of secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving vinorelbine. Before initiation of vinorelbine therapy, consider completion of all age appropriate vaccinations per current immunization guidelines. Vinorelbine recipients may receive inactivated vaccines, but the immune response to vaccines or toxoids may be decreased.
Voclosporin: (Major) Live virus vaccines should generally not be administered to an immunosuppressed patient. Live virus vaccines may induce the illness they are intended to prevent and are generally contraindicated for use during immunosuppressive treatment. The immune response of the immunocompromised patient to vaccines may be decreased, even despite alternate vaccination schedules or more frequent booster doses. If immunization is necessary, choose an alternative to live vaccination, or, consider a delay or change in the immunization schedule. Practitioners should refer to the most recent CDC guidelines regarding vaccination of patients who are receiving drugs that adversely affect the immune system.
The exact immunologic mechanism by which rotavirus vaccine protects against rotavirus gastroenteritis is unknown. The live attenuated or reassortant viral vaccine replicates in the small intestine and induces immunity. A relationship between antibody responses to rotavirus vaccine and protection against rotavirus gastroenteritis has not been established.
The rotavirus vaccine is administered orally. The pharmacokinetics of the vaccine are not well defined.
-Special Populations
Pediatrics
Infants 6 weeks and older
After 2 doses of RV1 (Rotarix), 86.5% of 787 infants seroconverted as compared with 6.7% of 420 placebo recipients. Similar findings were noted in another study (76.8% of 393 of RV1 recipients vs. 9.7% of 341 placebo recipients); seroconversion was defined as the appearance of anti-rotavirus serum IgA antibodies (concentration 20 units/mL and higher) after vaccination of infants previously negative for rotavirus. A relationship between antibody responses and protection from clinical rotavirus disease is not established.
During phase 3 studies, an increase in the concentration of anti-rotavirus serum IgA antibodies was used as a marker of seroconversion from RV5 (RotaTeq). After a 3-dose regimen, 93% to 100% of 439 RV5 recipients achieved a 3-fold or more rise in serum anti-rotavirus IgA compared with 12% to 20% of 397 placebo recipients. A relationship between antibody responses and protection from clinical rotavirus disease is not established.