If a pregnant adolescent's vaccinations are not current, what is the recommended action?

• A. Talk to her physician
• B. Ignore the schedule and wait until postpartum
• C. Self-administer vaccines
• D. Ask a friend for advice

Answer: (A)

Vaccinations during pregnancy should be guided by a clinician who can review the history and determine what is safe and needed now. The best action is to talk with her physician so they can decide which vaccines are appropriate for a pregnant adolescent, which ones may be safely given during pregnancy, and which should be postponed until after birth. This planning helps protect both mother and baby because some vaccines provide important protection during pregnancy (for example, certain inactivated vaccines) while others (live vaccines) are avoided until postpartum. A physician can also arrange catch-up or postpartum vaccination if needed and explain any timing considerations.

Asking a physician is far preferable to delaying vaccines, self-administering them, or seeking advice from friends, since vaccine safety and timing in pregnancy require professional assessment.