I looked it up to be sure, and there are no specific contraindications to
varicella vaccine in breastfeeding moms.  I'd be reluctant to advise it
for a mom who has a baby less than about 2 months old, though, because
there is a small risk of contagion from the vaccine.  I would wonder what
the circumstances are for her "needing" it.  If she's just someone who has
not had chicken pox, she should have a titer checked (about 70 percent of
adults who don't think they've had chicken pox are actually immune).  If
she's at risk of exposure, and is not immune, the vaccine would be
advisable since adults can get quite sick from chicken pox.  I still might
choose VZIG (antibody that gives short-term immunity) with a newborn in
the family and delay the vaccine until the baby is older.

--
Anne Montgomery, M.D.
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St.Peter Hospital Family Practice Residency
Olympia, WA