Immunisation schedule for HIV-positive children

Routine immunisations (with certain alterations) are recommended for all children with HIV. Live vaccines should be avoided with the exception of the MMR vaccine. BCG is not recommended because of the risk of dissemination of BCG in the immuno-compromised individual. Inactivated polio vaccine has now replaced live (oral) vaccine in the UK. Children with damaged immune systems may not always respond adequately to vaccination. If a child with HIV infection has come into contact with measles or chickenpox then medical advice should be sought. The current approach is to restore immunity with ART then to immunise the child. Passive immunotherapy may be offered if the child has a very low CD4%.