Immunization in patients with HIV infection: are practical recommendations possible?

Drugs. 2008;68(11):1473-81. doi: 10.2165/00003495-200868110-00001.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control
  • Bacterial Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Bacterial Vaccines* / immunology
  • Child
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Mass Vaccination
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Viral Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Viral Vaccines* / immunology
  • Virus Diseases / prevention & control

Substances

  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Viral Vaccines