Which patients should not receive live vaccines such as MMR and varicella?

Which patients should not receive live vaccines such as MMR and varicella?

• A. Immunocompromised patients
• B. Healthy adults
• C. Athletes
• D. Children under 5

Answer: (A)

Live vaccines use weakened forms of the virus or bacteria that can still replicate. In people with weakened immune systems, this replication isn’t well controlled, so the attenuated organism from the vaccine can cause illness instead of protecting against it. That’s why individuals who are immunocompromised should not receive vaccines like MMR and varicella. Healthy people with no contraindications can usually receive these vaccines according to the recommended schedules. Athletes and children under 5 are not inherently disqualified; they’re only restricted if there are specific health issues that compromise immunity.

Live vaccines use weakened forms of the virus or bacteria that can still replicate. In people with weakened immune systems, this replication isn’t well controlled, so the attenuated organism from the vaccine can cause illness instead of protecting against it. That’s why individuals who are immunocompromised should not receive vaccines like MMR and varicella. Healthy people with no contraindications can usually receive these vaccines according to the recommended schedules. Athletes and children under 5 are not inherently disqualified; they’re only restricted if there are specific health issues that compromise immunity.