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Myth: Breastfed Babies Don't Need Vaccines

by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Myth: Breastfed babies don't need vaccines because breast milk protects them from infections. Besides, vaccines don't work very well if a baby is being breastfed.

Fact: Breast milk alone cannot protect infants from all of the diseases covered by routine infant immunizations. And vaccines work just fine in breastfed babies.

This myth is based on the well-established fact that breast milk can provide protection against some kinds of infections. Indeed, breastfeeding is one of the most important ways mothers can help protect their infants from infections, particularly in developing countries where clean water is not available for infant formula preparation.

However, there are many reasons breast milk may not prevent a particular infection in your baby:
  • Your breast milk will not protect your baby if you are not immune to the germ.


  • Even if you are immune to a germ, it is possible that your immunity is due to immune factors that don't get into your milk. If that is the case, you will not be able to transfer immunity to that germ through your milk.


  • Last, but very important, breast milk only protects your baby while she is breastfeeding. In contrast, vaccines provide immunity that lasts for many years.
Adapted from the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) Copyright 2000, and the National Immunization Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 RELATED INFORMATION
*  Immunization Myths


Created December 20, 2000
Reviewed December 21, 2000
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