Your healthcare provider will discuss your medical treatment with you after your diagnosis of AIDS has been made. One of the elements of your treatment will be immunizations. Most of us dislike getting shots. Since babyhood we have been receiving vaccinations against disease. That is the main purpose of many of the vaccinations we have received over our lifetime – prevention. So, you may be asking then, now that you have a fatal disease – AIDS; why is there the need to receive more immunizations?
Healthcare practitioners recommend that AIDS patients receive several vaccines that protect against: influenza (flu), hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, pneumococcal infection and the one most of us are familiar with the tetanus shot. People who have AIDS have immune systems that are compromised by the disease, making them vulnerable to infections and other viruses.
In the United States influenza has it's peak season from November to March. The vaccine for influenza should be given early before the peak is reached to protect patients. Influenza charts are available showing influenza and all regions for the United States and how prevalent reported cases of influenza are for each region.
Varicella infection is a very frequent issue for HIV positive adults. It is contraindicated in HIV-infected adults. Live virus vaccines that are also contraindicated are: live attenuated influenza vaccine, zoster vaccines, the smallpox vaccine (vaccinia), live oral polio vaccine; the measles vaccine is contraindicated in those who have severe immune suppression. Also contraindicated is the yellow fever vaccine and the typhoid Ty21a vaccine.
To prevent Pneumoccocal infection it is recommended that HIV-infected persons receive a 23-valent vaccine, which is standard and five years later, a revaccination.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that those adults who are HIV-infected should receive a "double dose of hepatitis B vaccine. They also state that fixed dose combined hepatitis A and B immunization should not be given because the hepatitis B vaccine dose is too low in preparations."
According to iasusa.org the following are recommended vaccines for AIDS patients with higher CD4 cell counts. Trained medical professionals under the direction of your healthcare professional give all vaccines.
The recommended vaccines for adults with AIDS disease are: Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, Tetanus-diptheria vaccine (initial vaccine, then again in 5 years with better results in patients who have higher CD4+ cell count), Influenza vaccine (done every 10 years), Influenza vaccine (done yearly), Hepatitis A vaccine (for patients higher CD4+ cell counts), Hepatitis B vaccine (for patients with higher than CD4+ cell count and lower plasma HIV RNA level), Measles mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (except in severe immunosuppression)
It is imperative that you make a commitment to see your healthcare professional on a regular basis and that you become a team member with your healthcare team. You can take control of your disease by eating properly, exercising responsibly, and receiving quality medical care including the proper vaccinations that will help to protect you from the infections and viruses; the same infections and viruses that could be fatal in a weakened immune system.
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