What vaccines should children with HIV infection receive?
Children with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection should have all routine inactivated vaccines on the ASVS. Inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine (IPV) should be given instead of OPV. Varicella-zoster vaccine is generally contraindicated in children with HIV, as it can cause disseminated varicella infection. However, it may be considered for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic HIV-infected children, after weighing up the potential risks and benefits. This should be discussed with the child’s specialist. MMR can be given to children with HIV, depending on their CD4 counts (see above). Children with HIV infection should also be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease (see Table 3.18.1 and 3.18.3). Influenza vaccine is also recommended for HIV-infected children. They should not be given BCG, due to the risk of disseminated infection (see Part 2.3, ’Groups with special vaccination requirements’).
