Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Isolation, Transfection, and Culture of Primary Human Monocytes
Published on: December 16, 2019
Immunization in patients with HIV infection: are practical recommendations possible?
1Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Red Cross Children's Hospital, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. Brian.Eley@uct.ac.za
Insights
Immunization coverage for children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is low in sub-Saharan Africa. Reviewing immunization strategies, including re-immunization, is crucial for improving vaccine efficacy in these vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- HIV-infected children in sub-Saharan Africa face challenges with low immunization coverage.
- Current immunization guidelines for HIV-infected children differ from those for immunocompetent children, particularly regarding live-attenuated vaccines.
- Limited diagnostic capacity for HIV in young children hinders the implementation of specific guidelines in resource-constrained settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current immunization recommendations for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in resource-constrained countries, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
- To identify gaps and limitations in existing immunization policies and practices for HIV-infected populations.
- To highlight the need for evidence-based strategies to improve vaccine effectiveness in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunization recommendations and recent research findings.
- Analysis of evidence regarding vaccine efficacy and safety in HIV-infected individuals.
- Examination of challenges in implementing immunization guidelines in resource-limited settings.
Main Results:
- HIV-infected children are at risk for inadequate immunization coverage.
- Re-immunization may be beneficial for children on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) due to suboptimal vaccine immunity.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines show promise for protecting both HIV-infected and uninfected children, warranting prioritization in high HIV prevalence areas.
Conclusions:
- Current immunization policies for HIV-infected individuals in resource-constrained countries have significant limitations.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal re-immunization schedules and vaccine strategies for HIV-infected children in these regions.
- Prioritizing pneumococcal vaccines and clarifying influenza vaccine effectiveness are essential steps for improving public health outcomes.
Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to review immunization recommendations for HIV-infected individuals in resource-constrained countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent evidence suggests that HIV-infected children are at risk for low immunization coverage in sub-Saharan Africa. Routine immunization is recommended for these children. In comparison with immunocompetent children, recommendations for live-attenuated vaccines differ in HIV-infected children. However, limited laboratory capacity to diagnose HIV infection amongst young children prevents the implementation of these HIV-specific guidelines in resource-constrained countries. Re-immunization has been the focus of recent research in high- and middle-income countries. Findings show that children established on highly active antiretroviral therapy have suboptimal vaccine-specific immunity and may benefit from re-immunization. Before re-immunization guidelines can be formulated for resource-constrained countries, several questions should be addressed, including whether all HIV-infected children will benefit from routine re-immunization and what optimal number of vaccine doses should be administered. Pneumococcal and influenza infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality amongst HIV-infected individuals. There is compelling evidence showing that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines will protect HIV-infected and uninfected children against invasive infection. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines should be prioritized for introduction in countries with high HIV prevalence. Although, annual influenza immunization is recommended for HIV-infected individuals, the effectiveness in Africa remains unclear. In conclusion, this brief overview has identified several limitations of current immunization policy and practice for HIV-infected individuals living in resource-constrained countries.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...