From the Research
Yes, infants can generally receive vaccines while taking antibiotics, as antibiotics do not interfere with most vaccines' effectiveness or safety, and delaying vaccination could leave the infant vulnerable to preventable diseases. The only exception is the oral typhoid vaccine, which should not be given during antibiotic treatment, but this is rarely given to infants anyway. Common infant vaccines like DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), IPV (polio), Hib, pneumococcal, rotavirus, and hepatitis B can all be administered while the child is on antibiotics such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, or cephalosporins 1. However, if the infant has a moderate to severe illness with fever, vaccination might be temporarily postponed until they recover, regardless of antibiotic use. This is not because of the antibiotics themselves but because the illness might make it difficult to determine if any post-vaccination reactions are due to the vaccine or the underlying illness. Once the infant is feeling better, even if they're still completing their antibiotic course, vaccines can be given.
Some studies have evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of various vaccine combinations, including those given with antibiotics. For example, a study published in 2020 discussed the routine childhood vaccines given in the first 11 months of life, including the hepatitis B series, which is typically started at birth 1. Another study published in 2021 discussed the safety of vaccines in pregnancy, but also mentioned the importance of vaccinating infants against serious infectious diseases 2. A 2019 study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a hexavalent diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, hepatitis B, inactivated poliovirus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, which is commonly given to infants 3.
Key points to consider when administering vaccines to infants taking antibiotics include:
- Most vaccines can be given concurrently with antibiotics
- Oral typhoid vaccine should not be given during antibiotic treatment
- Moderate to severe illness with fever may require temporary postponement of vaccination
- Vaccines can be given once the infant is feeling better, even if still completing antibiotic course
It's essential to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to protect infants against serious infectious diseases, and antibiotics should not be a reason to delay vaccination unless the infant has a moderate to severe illness 4, 5.