Who is advised not to receive the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is generally contraindicated for pregnant women. This is primarily due to the potential risks associated with administering a live attenuated vaccine during pregnancy. While the MMR vaccine is considered safe for most individuals, pregnancy poses unique considerations regarding fetal development and health.

Additionally, there's a risk that if a pregnant woman contracts rubella during pregnancy, it can lead to severe complications, including congenital rubella syndrome, which has significant consequences for the developing fetus. Therefore, healthcare guidelines strongly recommend that women do not receive the MMR vaccine while pregnant and that they ensure they are vaccinated before conception.

Immunocompromised individuals also typically need to avoid live vaccines due to their reduced ability to handle the attenuated strains. However, in this case, the specific focus on pregnant women being advised against the MMR vaccine stands out as it relates directly to the health and safety of the fetus, making it the most pertinent justification for the answer.