APhA Immunization Technician Practice Test 2025 - Free Immunization Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct choice identifies pregnancy, immunocompromised status, and severe allergic reactions as common contraindications for receiving live vaccines. Live vaccines contain weakened forms of the virus or bacteria that can potentially cause disease in individuals with specific health conditions.

In pregnant individuals, the risk of the vaccine causing harm to the developing fetus is a significant concern, as certain live vaccines can potentially lead to congenital disabilities or infection of the fetus.

Those who are immunocompromised, whether due to illness, certain medications (like chemotherapy), or conditions like HIV/AIDS, are at increased risk of experiencing severe, adverse effects from live vaccines because their immune systems cannot adequately respond to the weakened pathogens, increasing the risk of developing the disease the vaccine is designed to prevent.

Lastly, individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to a component of the vaccine are advised against receiving live vaccines, as they might have an adverse and possibly life-threatening reaction.

Other choices, while they mention various health issues, do not align with the established contraindications for live vaccines. Age under 5 years may limit the types of vaccines given but is not categorically a contraindication for all live vaccines. Recent minor surgery generally does not affect a person's ability to receive live vaccines