Which statement about immunizations during active chemotherapy is correct?

Which statement about immunizations during active chemotherapy is correct?

• A. All vaccines should be given on schedule
• B. Live vaccines should be given only
• C. Only inactivated vaccines may be given
• D. Immunizations are not given during active chemotherapy

Answer: (D)

During active chemotherapy, the immune system is suppressed, heightening infection risk and reducing the body’s ability to respond to vaccines. Live vaccines, in particular, can cause illness in an immunocompromised child and may pose risks to others through shedding. Because of these safety concerns, vaccines are generally not given during active chemotherapy. The usual approach is to complete necessary immunizations before starting treatment or to resume them only after immune recovery has occurred and counts have normalized. When recovery is achieved, vaccines can be restarted or given per the standard schedule, tailored to the child’s immune status; in some cases, certain inactivated vaccines may be considered if exposure risk is high, but the default principle during active therapy is deferral.

During active chemotherapy, the immune system is suppressed, heightening infection risk and reducing the body’s ability to respond to vaccines. Live vaccines, in particular, can cause illness in an immunocompromised child and may pose risks to others through shedding. Because of these safety concerns, vaccines are generally not given during active chemotherapy. The usual approach is to complete necessary immunizations before starting treatment or to resume them only after immune recovery has occurred and counts have normalized. When recovery is achieved, vaccines can be restarted or given per the standard schedule, tailored to the child’s immune status; in some cases, certain inactivated vaccines may be considered if exposure risk is high, but the default principle during active therapy is deferral.