What are some contraindications for administering live vaccines?

Live vaccines are designed to produce a strong immune response by using weakened forms of pathogens. However, certain conditions can be contraindications for their administration, primarily because there is a risk of causing disease in individuals with compromised health.

Pregnancy is a significant contraindication because live vaccines can pose risks to the developing fetus due to the potential for the vaccine to replicate and cause illness. Severe immunosuppression, whether due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or from treatments such as chemotherapy, can prevent a person from adequately responding to a vaccine. In these cases, the body's ability to fight off even a weakened pathogen is severely diminished, which can lead to complications.

The other options listed do not represent the same level of risk associated with live vaccines. Minor illnesses, such as a common cold, typically do not contraindicate vaccination, as they do not significantly affect the immune system. Likewise, age alone, such as being over 65, does not automatically disqualify someone from receiving live vaccines, although considerations may be made based on overall health status in elderly patients. Low blood pressure and high cholesterol are generally not relevant factors for live vaccine administration.