AIDS weakens the immune system, making it essential that people infected with HIV get vaccinated against preventable diseases that could be potentially devastating. AIDS patients should consult with a doctor to determine the specific immunizations they should get and when to get them. In general, vaccines for AIDS-infected individuals should be made from dead viruses or proteins, not live viruses, since live viruses may carry a risk of infection.
Pneumococcal
The vaccine for pneumonia is called the pneumococcal vaccine. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that everyone diagnosed with AIDS who hasn't had the shot within the last five years should get the pneumococcal vaccine. A booster shot after 5 years is also advised. People with a CBC, complete blood count, under 200 may need a booster once the count rises above 200. This vaccine takes two to three weeks to become effective and confer full immunity.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B vaccine requires three shots to provide full immunization. The first shot can be given at any time with the second and third shot 1 month and 6 months later. Protection lasts about 10 years in HIV-infected individuals. The risk from this disease is higher for men who have sex with men and for people who inject drugs, so these individuals should keep their hepatitis vaccinations current.
Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis
The Tdap shot contains immunizations for tetanus, diptheria and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. This three-in-one vaccination is often given in infancy, but boosters are needed every 10 years to maintain immunity. People with AIDS should keep up to date on their boosters. There is also a Td vaccine that doesn't contain a vaccine against pertussis, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends protecting against all three diseases.
Seasonal Flu Shot
People with AIDS should get a yearly flu shot. It is important for HIV-positive individuals to get the injected vaccine, since the nasal spray against flu is made using live virus. The flu shot offers the most protection if it is administered earlier than mid-November, according to the New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center.
Additional Immunizations
Some individuals with AIDS may want to get immunized against other diseases that they may come in contact with, especially if they plan to travel to countries where certain diseases may be more prevalent. Vaccines are available against hepatitis A, bacterial pneumonia, human papillomavirus, bacterial meningitis, chicken pox, mumps, measles and rubella. Since some of these vaccines are made using live viruses, they may only be appropriate for individuals with a high CDC. Anyone who is HIV positive and considering these vaccinations should consult with a doctor to determine when and whether to have them.
