Before giving rubella vaccine, which fact should the nurse include in client teaching?

• A. The vaccine is safe in egg allergies
• B. Transient arthralgia and rash are common adverse effects
• C. The client should avoid getting pregnant for 3 months after the vaccine because the vaccine has teratogenic effects
• D. Breast-feeding isn't compatible with the vaccine

Answer: (C)

Rubella vaccination is a live attenuated vaccine, so there’s a potential risk to a fetus if a woman is pregnant or becomes pregnant soon after vaccination. To protect a future pregnancy, clients are advised to avoid becoming pregnant for a period after receiving the vaccine. The guidance you’d teach includes postponing pregnancy for several months after vaccination, which is why this option is the best choice. Breastfeeding is not a reason to avoid the vaccine, and egg allergies are not a contraindication to rubella-containing vaccines; transient joint pain or a mild rash can occur but are not the primary focus of the essential counseling.