Routine immunization is particularly beneficial to children who are HIV-positive as they are more susceptible to preventable diseases due to a compromised immune system.
The standard vaccine schedule for a 12-month-old includes Hib, PCV (PVC13), MMR, varicella, and Hep A. HIV-positive children who are asymptomatic and not extremely immunocompromised can receive the appropriate age-specific immunizations as recommended.
However, live vaccine preparations (eg, MMR, varicella) are contraindicated in the presence of marked immunosuppression, as determined by CD4 lymphocyte percentages and/or counts (Options 3 and 5).
An individual with a CD4 lymphocyte percentage <15% is considered to be severely immunocompromised. Low CD4 lymphocyte counts vary slightly by age due to the normal occurrence of elevated CD4 counts during infancy and early childhood. Low CD4 counts are defined as <750/mm² for infants 12 months or younger, <500/mm³ for children between age 1-5 years, and <200/mm² for children age >5 years and adults.
Educational objective: Children who are HIV-positive and not severely immunocompromised can receive routine. childhood immunizations. Children with severe immunosuppression as indicated by CD4 lymphocyte counts and/or percentages should not receive any live vaccines, including MMR and varicella.
Routine immunization is particularly beneficial to children who are HIV-positive as they are more susceptible to preventable diseases due to a compromised immune system.
The standard vaccine schedule for a 12-month-old includes Hib, PCV (PVC13), MMR, varicella, and Hep A. HIV-positive children who are asymptomatic and not extremely immunocompromised can receive the appropriate age-specific immunizations as recommended.
However, live vaccine preparations (eg, MMR, varicella) are contraindicated in the presence of marked immunosuppression, as determined by CD4 lymphocyte percentages and/or counts (Options 3 and 5).
An individual with a CD4 lymphocyte percentage <15% is considered to be severely immunocompromised. Low CD4 lymphocyte counts vary slightly by age due to the normal occurrence of elevated CD4 counts during infancy and early childhood. Low CD4 counts are defined as <750/mm² for infants 12 months or younger, <500/mm³ for children between age 1-5 years, and <200/mm² for children age >5 years and adults.
Educational objective: Children who are HIV-positive and not severely immunocompromised can receive routine. childhood immunizations. Children with severe immunosuppression as indicated by CD4 lymphocyte counts and/or percentages should not receive any live vaccines, including MMR and varicella.
