Yf-Vax (Pf) (yellow fever vaccine live/PF)
Yellow Fever Vaccine Subcutaneous Vial (Ea)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Yellow fever vaccine is a preparation of live, attenuated yellow fever virus. Yellow fever vaccine is prepared using the 17D-204 strain of yellow fever virus.
Yellow fever vaccine is used to stimulate active immunity through the humoral immune response to yellow fever virus infection by inducing production of yellow fever virus-specific neutralizing antibodies. Yellow fever is an acute viral illness caused by the yellow fever virus, a Flavivirus.
Infection with yellow fever virus can result in a subclinical illness and influenza-like syndrome, or may progress to an overwhelming pansystemic disease with hepatic and renal failure and hemorrhage caused by platelet and clotting abnormalities. Yellow fever has an abrupt onset after an incubation period of 3-6 days. Symptoms include fever, malaise, prostration, headache, photophobia, generalized arthralgia and myalgia, nausea and/or vomiting.
Humans infected with yellow fever virus experience the highest levels of viremia and can transmit the virus to mosquitoes shortly before onset of fever and for the first 3-5 days of illness.
Yellow fever vaccine is prepared by culturing the 17D-204 strain of yellow fever virus in living avian leukosis virus-free (ALV-free) chicken embryos. The vaccine contains sorbitol and gelatin as a stabilizer, is lyophilized, and is hermetically sealed under nitrogen. No preservative is added.
The vaccine is formulated to contain not less than 4.74 log10 plaque forming units (PFU) per 0.5 mL dose throughout the life of the product.
Vaccination with yellow fever vaccine containing live, attenuated strains of the 17D strain of yellow fever virus is predicted to produce an immune response similar to that induced by infection with wild-type yellow fever virus. Following administration of yellow fever vaccine, initial infection with the vaccine virus occurs in the cells in the dermis or other subcutaneous tissues near the injection site. Subsequently, replication and limited spread of the virus leads to the processing and presentation of viral antigens to the immune system, similar to what would occur during infection with wild-type yellow fever virus.
The humoral immune response to the structural proteins of the vaccine virus can be detected by formation of specific antibodies that are detected as neutralizing antibodies in assays that measure the ability of serum to reduce plaque formation in tissue culture cells.
The minimum titer of anti-yellow fever neutralizing antibodies conferring protection against yellow fever has not been definitively established to date. WHO considers a log10 neutralization index of 0.7 or greater measured by plaque reduction assay to be indicative of an adequate response to yellow fever vaccine and this was the level used to define seroconversion in clinical trials of the vaccine.
Immunity to yellow fever generally develops within about 10 days following primary immunization with a single subcutaneous dose of yellow fever vaccine and for most healthy individual provides long-lasting protection.
USES: This vaccine is used to help prevent yellow fever. Yellow fever is an infection that is spread by mosquitos. This vaccine contains live viruses that have been weakened.
It works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the virus. This vaccine is recommended for people who live in or are traveling to areas where the infection is common (such as Africa, Central/South America) and those who work with the virus in a lab. Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.
This vaccine is not approved for use by children younger than 9 months due to an increased risk of side effects (such as seizures).
Generic name: yellow fever vaccine live/PF
Drug class: Yellow Fever Vaccine
Therapeutic class: Biologicals
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Yf-Vax (Pf)
Indications
The following indications are listed for Yf-Vax (Pf):
- Yellow Fever Vaccination
Also known as: Active Immunization Against Yellow Fever Virus, Active Immunization For The Prevention Of Yellow Fever, Yellow Fever Prevention, Yellow Fever Prophylaxis.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Yellow fever vaccine is administered by subcutaneous injection. The vaccine should be reconstituted prior to administration.
Yellow fever vaccine should not be administered by IM, intravascular, or intradermal routes. However, if the vaccine is inadvertently given IM, the US Public Health Service Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that the immunologic response to the vaccine probably will be unaffected and a repeat dose given by subcutaneous injection is unnecessary.
In the US, yellow fever vaccine can only be administered at certain sites authorized to issue a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
Store vaccine vials at 2-8degreesC and do not freeze. The half-life of the vaccine is reduced from approximately 14 days when stored at 35-37degreesC to 3-4.5 days at 45-47degreesC. Improper storage or handling of vaccines may reduce vaccine potency resulting in reduced or inadequate immune responses in vaccine recipients. All vaccines should be inspected upon delivery and monitored during storage to ensure that the appropriate temperature is maintained.
Vaccine that has been mishandled or has not been stored at the recommended temperature should not be administered. If there are concerns about mishandling, the manufacturer or state or local immunization or health departments should be contacted for guidance on whether the vaccine is usable.
Subcutaneous injections should be administered at a 45degrees angle using a 5/8 to 3/4 inch, 23- to 25-gauge needle. Subcutaneous injections usually should be made into the upper-outer triceps area in adults, adolescents, and children >=12 months of age or into the anterolateral thigh in infants <12 months of age.
The vial and any unused portion of reconstituted vaccine must be disposed of properly (e.g., sterilized, disposed of as medical waste).
When multiple parenteral vaccines are administered during a single health-care visit, each vaccine should be given with a different syringe and at different injection sites. Injection sites should be separated by at least 1 inch (if anatomically feasible) to allow appropriate attribution of any local adverse effects that may occur.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
Live Vaccines/Bevacizumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Systemic bevacizumab suppresses the immune system. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained and/or the vaccine may result in illness.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency. Intravitreal injections of small doses of bevacizumab for macular degeneration or macular edema are not expected to suppress immune function.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live, attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician.(1) Intravitreal injections of small doses of bevacizumab for macular degeneration or macular edema are not expected to suppress immune function. For patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy, vaccination should ideally precede the initiation of chemotherapy by 14 days. Patients vaccinated while on immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy.(1)
DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1) Patients with a history of leukemia who are in remission and have not received chemotherapy for at least 3 months are not considered to be immunocompromised.(1)
Live Vaccines/Rebisufligene Etisparvovec
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Rebisufligene etisparvovec therapy may suppress the immune system. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained.(1) The vaccine may result in illness.(1,2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of rebisufligene etisparvovec states that vaccines should be avoided 30 days prior to rebisufligene etisparvovec administration.(1)
DISCUSSION: Rebisufligene etisparvovec therapy may pose a risk for vaccine-derived infections and decrease the effectiveness of vaccines.(1)
Live Vaccines/Vusolimogene Oderparepvec
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The interaction potential of live virus vaccines with vusolimogene oderparepvec is unknown.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of live vaccines with vusolimogene oderparepvec may alter the effectiveness or toxicities of either agent.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of vusolimogene oderparepvec states that vaccines containing live attenuated viruses should be avoided during vusolimogene oderparepvec therapy.(2) Patients should be advised that their cancer gene therapy may be delayed due to administration of vaccines.(3)
DISCUSSION: The concomitant use of live attenuated vaccines and vusolimogene oderparepvec has not been evaluated. The manufacturer's recommendation is based on vaccine guidance used in clinical trials.(2)
Live Vaccines; Live Bcg/Selected Immunosuppressive Agents
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: A variety of disease modifying agents suppress the immune system. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines or intravesicular BCG. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained and/or the vaccine may result in illness.(1) After instillation of intravesicular BCG, immunosuppression may interfere with local immune response, or increase the severity of mycobacterial infection following inadvertent systemic exposure.(2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live, attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician.(1) For patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy, vaccination should ideally precede the initiation of chemotherapy by 14 days. Patients vaccinated while on immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy.(1) Patients who receive anti-B cell therapies should not receive live vaccines for at least 6 months after such therapies due to a prolonged duration of immunosuppression. An exception is the Zoster vaccine, which can be given at least 1 month after receipt of anti-B cell therapies.(1) The US manufacturer of abatacept states live vaccines should not be given during or for up to 3 months after discontinuation of abatacept.(2) The US manufacturer of live BCG for intravesicular treatment of bladder cancer states use is contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients.(3) The US manufacturer of daclizumab states live vaccines are not recommended during and for up to 4 months after discontinuation of treatment.(4) The US manufacturer of guselkumab states that live vaccines should be avoided during treatment with guselkumab.(5) The US manufacturer of inebilizumab-cdon states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and after discontinuation until B-cell repletion. Administer all live vaccinations at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of inebilizumab-cdon.(6) The US manufacturer of ocrelizumab states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion occurs after discontinuation of therapy. Administer all live vaccines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ocrelizumab.(7) The US manufacturer of ozanimod states that live vaccines should be avoided during and for up to 3 months after discontinuation of ozanimod.(8) The US manufacturer of siponimod states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and for up to 4 weeks after discontinuation of treatment.(9) The US manufacturer of ustekinumab states BCG vaccines should not be given in the year prior to, during, or the year after ustekinumab therapy.(10) The US manufacturer of satralizumab-mwge states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and should be administered at least four weeks prior to initiation of satralizumab-mwge.(11) The US manufacturer of ublituximab-xiiy states that live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and until B-cell recovery. Live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of ublituximab-xiiy.(12) The US manufacturer of etrasimod states that live vaccines should be avoided during and for 5 weeks after treatment. Live vaccines should be administered at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of etrasimod.(13) The US manufacturer of emapalumab-lzsg states that live vaccines should not be administered to patients receiving emapalumab-lzsg and for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of emapalumab-lzsg. The safety of immunization with live vaccines during or following emapalumab-lzsg therapy has not been studied.(14) The US manufacturer of sibeprenlimab-szsi states live vaccines should not be given within 30 days prior to initiation or during treatment with sibeprenlimab-szsi.(15)
DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1) Patients with a history of leukemia who are in remission and have not received chemotherapy for at least 3 months are not considered to be immunocompromised.(1)
Selected Live Viral Vaccines/Rho Immunoglobulin
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Immune globulin products may prevent the immune system from properly responding to the vaccine.(1-6)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Administration of a live viral vaccine after immunoglobulins may impair the efficacy of the vaccine.(1-6) Administration of immunoglobulins within 2-4 weeks after a live viral vaccine impair the efficacy of the vaccine.(1-6)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Administration of a live viral vaccine should be postponed for three months in patients who have received immunoglobulin therapy, including Rho immunoglobulin.(1-6) If a live viral vaccine is given within two to four weeks of rho immunoglobulin, then repeat vaccination three months after the completion of immunoglobulin should be considered.(2-4)
DISCUSSION: Administration of a live viral vaccine after immunoglobulins(1-6) or administration of immunoglobulins after a live vaccine(3) may impair the efficacy of the vaccine.
Selected Live Viral Vaccines/Selected Immunoglobulins
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Immune globulin(IG) products may prevent the immune system from properly responding to the vaccine.(1-19)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Administration of selected live viral vaccines after immunoglobulins may impair the efficacy of the vaccine.(1-19) Administration of immunoglobulins within 2-4 weeks after selected live viral vaccines impair the efficacy of the vaccine.(1-4,15)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The amount of antigen-specific antibody present in the administered immunoglobulin product determines the duration of this interaction.(15)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The recommendations regarding this interaction are conflicting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) immunization recommendations for spacing of live vaccines and antibody-containing products include the following(15): - Live attenuated influenza vaccine, rotavirus, zoster and Ty21a typhoid vaccines may be given any time before, concurrent, with, or after administration of any immune globulin. Yellow fever vaccine may also be given in areas where donor blood products are unlikely to contain a substantial quantity of yellow fever antibody. - Administration of measles or varicella containing vaccines should be postponed for the following intervals after immunoglobulin therapy: Hepatitis B IG, Tetanus IG - 3 months Rabies IG - 4 months Varicella IG - 5 months Measles prophylaxis IG - 6 months if nonimmunocompromised Botulinum IG Intravenous, CMV IG Intravenous, Hepatitis A IG - 6 months Intravenous Immune Globulin(IVIG) - 8 to 11 months depending upon the dose Monoclonal antibody to RSV F protein (palivizumab) - none - Administration of antibody-containing products should be delayed 2 weeks after administration of live vaccines, except for influenza, rotavirus, zoster and typhoid vaccines as noted above. CDC guidelines state that in circumstances where there is high-risk of vaccine-preventable disease, it is acceptable to administer a dose of vaccine prior to completion of these intervals.(16) Manufacturer recommendations are as follows: Administration of a live viral vaccine should be postponed for at least three months in patients who have received the following immunoglobulin therapy: anthrax immunoglobulin,(19) cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin,(1) hepatitis B immunoglobulin,(5,6) rabies immunoglobulin,(7) tetanus immunoglobulin,(8-11) vaccinia immunoglobulin,(18) and zoster immunoglobulin.(2) Administration of a live viral vaccine should be postponed for at least six months in patients who have received the following immunoglobulin therapy: botulinum neurotoxin a/b immune globulin.(17) The US manufacturer of human immunoglobulin states that live viral vaccines should be postponed for three months in patients who have received human immunoglobulin. The Australian and Canadian manufacturers of human immunoglobulin advise postponing live viral vaccines for 3-6 months in patients who have received human immunoglobulin.(6,12,13,18) The UK manufacturer states that vaccines may be compromised for one year and vaccines should be postponed in children for at least seven months.(14) The US manufacturer of immune globulin-hyaluronidase states that immune response to live attenuated vaccines may be impaired for up to 6 months, or for a year or more in the case of measles vaccine.(15) Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin(1) or human immunoglobulin(3) should not be administered to patients who have received a live vaccine in the previous two weeks. If a live viral vaccine is given within two weeks of zoster immunoglobulin,(1) repetition of the vaccination three months after the completion of immunoglobulin should be considered.
DISCUSSION: CDC Immunization Recommendations(15)provide discussion, charts, and further details regarding appropriate use and timing of vaccine therapy.(16)
Vaccines/Pariglasgene Brecaparvovec
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Pariglasgene brecaparvovec therapy may decrease the effectiveness of vaccines. The mechanism is not known.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of pariglasgene brecaparvovec states that vaccines should be avoided for 1 month prior to pariglasgene brecaparvovec administration.(1)
DISCUSSION: Pariglasgene brecaparvovec therapy may decrease the effectiveness of vaccines.(1)
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Live Vaccines/Brensocatib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Brensocatib may suppress the immune system by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-1 (DPP-1). Brensocatib prevents the activation of neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) during neutrophil maturation in the bone marrow.(1) Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained. The vaccine may result in illness. Immune response to live vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The coadministration of live vaccines and brensocatib should be avoided.(1) The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live-attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician.(2)
DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(2) The concomitant use of live attenuated vaccines and brensocatib has not been evaluated. Brensocatib may suppress the immune system by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-1 (DPP-1).(1)
Live Vaccines/Leniolisib
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Leniolisib modifies the immune system. Immune response to live vaccines may be decreased during treatment with leniolisib.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of leniolisib states live, attenuated vaccinations may be less effective if administered during leniolisib treatment.(1)
DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1)
Live Vaccines/Live Vaccines
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The immune response to an injectable or nasally administered live vaccine may be impaired if it is administered within 28 days of another injectable or nasally administered live vaccine.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Non-simultaneous administration (i.e. given on different days) of an injectable or nasally administered live vaccine to an individual who has received another injectable or nasally administered live vaccine in the previous 28 days may result in the second vaccine being ineffective.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The CDC states that multiple injectable or nasal live vaccines (e.g. MMR and varicella) may be administered on the same day. However, injectable or nasally administered live vaccines not administered on the same day should be administered at least 4 weeks apart whenever possible. If injectable or nasal live vaccines are administered less than 4 weeks apart and not on the same day, the vaccine administered second should be considered invalid and be repeated at least 4 weeks after the last, invalid dose.(1)
DISCUSSION: The immune response to a live vaccine may be impaired if it is administered within 28 days of another live vaccine. In a study, patients who received varicella vaccine less than 28 days after MMR vaccination had an increased risk for varicella vaccine failure (i.e., varicella disease in a vaccinated person) of 2.5-fold compared with those who received varicella vaccine before or more than 28 days after MMR.(1)
Live Vaccines/Methotrexate (Low Strength Injection, Oral)
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: A variety of disease modifying agents such as methotrexate suppress the immune system. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained and/or the vaccine may result in illness.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live, attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician.(1) CDC recommendations for zoster vaccine state it may be administered to patients receiving methotrexate if the dose is < or = to 0.4 mg/kg/week for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions.(1) For patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy, vaccination should ideally precede the initiation of chemotherapy by 14 days. Patients vaccinated while on immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy.(1)
DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1) Patients with a history of leukemia who are in remission and have not received chemotherapy for at least 3 months are not considered to be immunocompromised.(1)
Live Vaccines/Systemic Corticosteroids; Corticotropin (Acth)
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Corticosteroids and corticotropin suppress the immune system. In severely immunocompromised patients, virus replication after administration of live, attenuated-virus vaccines can be enhanced and/or the immune response to the vaccine may be decreased.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained and/or the vaccine may result in illness.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids or corticotropin for equal to or greater than 14 consecutive days.(1)
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live, attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are severely immunosuppressed, including those who are receiving or have received high-dose, systemic steroids for greater than or equal to 14 consecutive days. Live vaccines should be deferred for at least 1 month after discontinuation of high-dose systemic steroids administered for 14 consecutive days. When initiating immunosuppressives doses of corticosteroids, wait 4 weeks after a live vaccines is administered. However, if patients require therapy for chronic inflammatory conditions, do not delay therapy due to past vaccines. Patients who are vaccinated within the 14 days prior to initiating immunosuppressive therapy should be considered unvaccinated and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after immunosuppressive therapy is discontinued.(1) The US manufacturer of corticotropin(2) and triamcinolone(3) and the Australian manufacturer of dexamethasone(4) state that administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids or corticotropin. The manufacturer of deflazacort states that live or live-attenuated vaccines should be administered at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to initiation of therapy with deflazacort.(5)
DISCUSSION: Many clinicians consider a dose equivalent to either 2 mg/kg of body weight or a total of 20 mg/day of prednisone as sufficiently immunosuppressive to raise safety concerns about live-virus vaccines.(1) Immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients receiving corticosteroids when the therapy is short term (less than 2 weeks); low to moderate dose; long-term, alternate-day treatment with short-acting preparations; maintenance physiologic doses (replacement therapy); or administered topically (skin or eyes), by aerosol, or by intra-articular, bursal, or tendon injection.(1) Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1)
Live Vaccines/Tuberculin Testing
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Measles infection and severe acute and chronic infections may induce an anergic state resulting in a false-negative tuberculin test. The live measles vaccine, as well as other live vaccines (e.g. smallpox, varicella, yellow fever) theoretically may also suppress response to tuberculin testing, though the degree of suppression may be less than that expected from acute infection with wild-type virus.(1-4)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Tuberculin testing that is performed more than one day but less than 28 days after administration of a live vaccine may result in a false negative tuberculin response. Tuberculin testing may be administered simultaneously with live vaccines.(1-4)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The CDC states that live vaccines (e.g. MMR and varicella) and tuberculin testing may be administered within one day of each other at separate administration sites. If it has been more than one day since tuberculin testing has been administered, the live vaccine can be given at any interval after the tuberculin test. However, if the live vaccine has been administered more than one day previously and tuberculin testing is indicated, tuberculin testing should be deferred for at least 4-6 weeks.(1-4)
DISCUSSION: Suppression of response to tuberculin testing has been observed following measles infection, live measles vaccination, and live smallpox vaccination. The degree of suppression after live virus vaccination is likely to be less than that from an acute infection with wild-type virus. There is no data on suppression of response to tuberculin testing with other live vaccines. In the absence of data, the CDC recommends tuberculin testing within one day that a live vaccine is administered. Otherwise the tuberculin test should be deferred for at least 4-6 weeks.(1-4)
Live Vaccines; Live Bcg/Hydroxyurea
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Hydroxyurea may suppress the immune system.(1) Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines or intravesicular BCG. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained and/or the vaccine may result in illness.(2) After instillation of intravesicular BCG, immunosuppression may interfere with local immune response, or increase the severity of mycobacterial infection following inadvertent systemic exposure.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies), treatments (e.g. radiation) and cytotoxic drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Recommendations for administration of live vaccines in patients on hydroxyurea are dependent on the indication. The US manufacturers of hydroxyurea recommend avoiding live vaccine use in patients taking hydroxyurea. Evaluate hematologic status prior to and during treatment with hydroxyurea. Provide supportive care and modify the dose or discontinue hydroxyurea as needed.(1) The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live, attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician. Patients who are vaccinated within the 14 days prior to initiating immunosuppressive therapy should be considered unvaccinated and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after immunosuppressive therapy is discontinued.(2) The ACIP recommendations state that routine vaccinations patients with secondary immunodeficiency such as sickle cell disease are likely effective. Live viral and bacterial vaccines are contraindicated in patients with generalized malignant neoplasm, immunosuppressive, or radiation therapy, depending on immune status.(4)
DISCUSSION: Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(2) Patients with a history of leukemia who are in remission and have not received chemotherapy for at least 3 months are not considered to be immunocompromised.(2) A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in infants and young children with sickle cell disease (BABY HUG) studied the response to pneumococcal and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines in patients using hydroxyurea. The authors concluded that hydroxyurea does not appear to have significant deleterious effects on the immune function of infants and children with sickle cell disease. Additional assessments of lymphocyte parameters of hydroxyurea-treated children may be warranted. No changes in current immunization schedules are recommended; however, for endemic disease or epidemics, adherence to accelerated immunization schedules for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine should be reinforced.(5)
Live Vaccines; Live Bcg/Teplizumab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Teplizumab may cause lymphopenia and suppress the immune system. Immunocompromised patients may be at increased risk for uninhibited replication after administration of live, attenuated vaccines or intravesicular BCG. Immune response to vaccines may be decreased during periods of immunocompromise.(1,2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The expected serum antibody response may not be obtained. The vaccine may result in illness.(1,2) After instillation of intravesicular BCG, immunosuppression may interfere with local immune response, or increase the severity of mycobacterial infection following inadvertent systemic exposure.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Immunosuppressive diseases (e.g. hematologic malignancies, HIV disease), treatments (e.g. radiation) and drugs may all increase the magnitude of immunodeficiency.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that live-virus and live-attenuated vaccines should not be administered to patients who are immunocompromised. The magnitude of immunocompromise and associated risks should be determined by a physician.(1) Vaccination should ideally precede the initiation of teplizumab therapy by 8 weeks. Live vaccines are not recommended within the 8 weeks prior to, during, or for 52 weeks after stopping teplizumab therapy.(2)
DISCUSSION: Vaccinations may be less effective if administered within 8 weeks before, during, and for 52 weeks following teplizumab therapy.(2) Killed or inactivated vaccines do not pose a danger to immunocompromised patients.(1)
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Vaccines/Hepatitis B Vaccine (Fendrix)
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: No data is available on the concurrent administration of the hepatitis B vaccine Fendrix and other vaccines.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: It is unknown if concurrent administration of the hepatitis B vaccine Fendrix and other vaccines will affect the efficacy of either vaccine.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Swedish manufacturer of Fendrix states that since there is no data available for the concurrent administration of Fendrix with other vaccines, the administration of Fendrix and other vaccines should be separated by 2 to 3 weeks.(1)
DISCUSSION: No data is available on the concurrent administration of the hepatitis B vaccine Fendrix with other vaccines.(1)
Contraindications
*Hypersensitivity to any component including eggs or egg products.
*Patients <9 months of age (per manufacturer); the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that vaccination should be avoided in patients <9 months when possible but can be considered in patients 6-8 months of age if benefits outweigh risks.
*Women who are lactating and providing breastmilk to infants <9 months of age.
*Severe immunosuppression or underlying disease (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, thymic disease, generalized malignancy), gammaglobulin deficiency (e.g., agammaglobulinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, dysgammaglobulinemia), immunosuppression secondary to AIDS or other manifestations of HIV infection (including those with CD4 T lymphocyte counts <200/mL or <15% total lymphocytes for children <6 years of age), or those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy (e.g., alkylating agents, antimetabolites, corticosteroids, interleukin-1 blocking agents, monoclonal antibodies targeting immune cells, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors, radiation).
- Disorder of thymus gland
- HIV infection
- Immunosuppression
- Lactation
- Leukemia
- Malignancy
- Malignant lymphoma
- Myasthenia gravis
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
- High fever >101 degrees fahrenheit
Adverse reactions
Adverse reactions include mild headaches, myalgia, low-grade fevers, or other minor symptoms for 5-10 days, local reactions including edema, hypersensitivity, pain or mass at the injection site, and hypersensitivity reactions characterized by rash, urticaria, and/or asthma (occurring primarily in patients with a history of allergy to eggs or other vaccine components).
Rare or Very Rare
- Allergic dermatitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
- Dyspnea
- Encephalitis
- Lymphadenopathy
- Wheezing
- Yellow fever vaccine-associated neurotropic disease
- Yellow fever vaccine-associated viscerotropic disease
More Frequent
- Anorexia
- Drowsy
- General weakness
- Headache disorder
- Injection site sequelae
- Myalgia
- Vomiting
Less Frequent
- Arthralgia
- Fever
- Hematoma
- Nausea
Rare or Very Rare
- Acute abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Erythema
- Flu-like symptoms
- Paresthesia
- Pruritus of skin
- Rhinitis
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Vaccination of infants <9 months of age is contraindicated because of the risk of YEL-AND.
The CDC Yellow Book and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) state that vaccination of infants less than 6 months of age is contraindicated. Caution is advised with use in infants 6-8 months of age+ due to the risk of YEL-AND. Two cases of YEL-AND have been reported in infants 6-8 months of age. By 9 months of age, risk for YEL-AND is believed to be substantially lower. Whenever possible, travel to yellow fever-endemic countries for children 6-8 months of age should be postponed or avoided.
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with yellow fever vaccine. It is also not known whether yellow fever vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Yellow fever vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Case reports and studies on use of another formulation of yellow fever vaccine have not demonstrated adverse effects; however, transplacental infection with 17D vaccine viruses can occur and efficacy in seroconversion with the vaccine may be reduced during pregnancy.
Live, attenuated virus vaccines administered during pregnancy pose a theoretical risk to the fetus and such vaccines generally are contraindicated during pregnancy, unless the disease to be prevented poses a greater risk to the pregnant woman or fetus than the vaccine. The sequelae of yellow fever infection are not altered by pregnancy and efforts should be made to postpone travel to areas with a substantial risk of exposure to yellow fever until after delivery when the vaccine can be administered.
If travel to high-risk areas is unavoidable during pregnancy and the risks of the vaccine are thought to outweigh the risks of exposure to yellow fever virus, pregnant women should be advised of the risk, instructed in methods for avoiding bites by vector mosquitoes, and provided with a medical waiver letter to use with the required ICVP to fulfill international health regulations.
Because some data indicate that the seroconversion rate after vaccination with yellow fever vaccine may be lower in pregnant women compared with other healthy adults, consideration should be given to performing serologic testing to document seroconversion after vaccination. Appropriate state health departments or the CDC (970-221-6400) should be contacted for information on serologic testing.
Although specific data are not available, ACIP and CDC state that women who receive yellow fever vaccine and are planning to become pregnant should wait at least 4 weeks after vaccination before conceiving.
There is evidence that yellow fever vaccine virus can be transmitted via milk from nursing mothers to their infants. In one reported case, a nursing mother in Brazil received a dose of yellow fever vaccine (prepared using the 17DD strain of yellow fever virus) at 15 days postpartum and her infant, who was exclusively breast-fed, was hospitalized 8 days later with seizures and possible meningoencephalitis. Yellow fever vaccine virus, identical to the 17DD vaccine strain, was detected in the infant's CSF and yellow fever-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were present in the infant's serum and CSF, indicating transmission and infection with yellow fever vaccine virus.
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, weigh the risks and benefits when deciding whether to discontinue nursing or to not administer the vaccine, taking into account the importance of the vaccine to the mother.
As of July 2015, 3 vaccine-associated neurotropic disease cases have been reported worldwide in exclusively breast-fed infants whose mothers were vaccinated with yellow fever vaccines, including one case reported after vaccination with YF-VAX(R). All 3 infants were diagnosed with encephalitis and were less than 1 month of age at the time of exposure. Because age <9 months is a risk factor for yellow fever vaccine-associated neurotropic disease, yellow fever vaccine is contraindicated in lactating women who are providing breastmilk to infants <9 months of age. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with lactating women who are providing breastmilk to infants >=9 months of age.
The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for geriatric patients. The risk of severe systemic adverse reactions is higher in patients 60 years of age and older. Use with caution and monitor closely.
There is an increased risk of severe systemic adverse reactions to YF-VAX(R) in individuals 60 years of age and older.
ACIP and CDC state that yellow fever vaccine should be used with caution in adults 60 years of age or older, especially in those receiving their first dose of the vaccine.
If travel is unavoidable, a decision regarding whether to vaccinate a geriatric individual 60 years of age or older should be based on the risks and benefits of the vaccine in the context of the destination-specific risk for exposure to yellow fever virus.
Monitor geriatric patients for signs and symptoms of yellow fever vaccine-associated viscerotropic disease, which typically occurs within 10 days post-vaccination.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow fever vaccination | ||
| Z23 | ICD10CM | Encounter for immunization |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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