Immunizations

Print this Page

Indiana currently requires that children receive many vaccinations in order to be admitted into the school system, including the measles vaccine. This vaccine is a “live” vaccine and usually given as MMR—(measles, mumps and rubella). A live vaccine actually has the germ in the shot, although it is a very weakened form of the germ that is unlikely to cause problems in a healthy individual. However, in a person with a weakened immune system, the shot may cause problems including giving the person measles. People may have the MMR if they have had a CD4 count over 1000 for a few months. Before any child with HIV receives this vaccine, the health care team should be notified to be sure it is safe. Since vaccines are given by a primary medical doctor, your doctor may need to contact the HIV team to ensure the child’s safety.

Since all states started requiring the MMR for children, the disease of measles has become very rare. Occasionally a case may be seen, usually carried in from another country. If your child is exposed to someone with measles, please contact the doctor immediately. Even children who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine may not be safe. Once exposed, the child will need to receive an injection of a medication called gammaglobulin to give extra protection in order to prevent them from getting measles. This is extremely important since measles can be a life-threatening illness.

If the child is going to school and has an immune system too weakened to receive the MMR, a letter can be sent from the clinic to the school excusing the child from the vaccine for medical reasons. This can be done without disclosing HIV status if necessary.

The chickenpox vaccine is also a live vaccine and can only be given to children with HIV who have high CD4 counts. This vaccine can give children chickenpox, particularly in those with a very low CD4 count. If your child is exposed to someone with chickenpox or shingles, please contact the health care team immediately. The child will need to receive an injection of gammaglobulin in order to prevent becoming sick with the chickenpox. This medication must be given within 96 hours of exposure to be effective and can sometimes take several hours to obtain. Anyone who is HIV negative living in the household who has not already had chickenpox should receive the vaccine to decrease the chances of bringing home a case of the chickenpox.

[Keywords:HIV]

US News - America's Best Children's Hospitals 2008

Web Design: NetMediaOne