Immunization Needs
For Adult AIDS Patients

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."

Did You Know? 

There are some ways you cannot get AIDS! Many of these myths persisted for years after scientists proved AIDS could not be transferred in these ways. You cannot get AIDS from food or water. Again, it is only transferred by sexual contact or contact with body fluids of an individual who has HIV or AIDS. Yes, I know there was a myth flying around you could get AIDS by getting a mosquito bite, but again this is not true. Insects and animals cannot transfer the virus to a human. It is fine to adopt a pet from a person who has AIDS. Giving blood cannot give you AIDS. The danger is in receiving tainted blood that has been donated by someone who has AIDS. Since 1985, this has been rare because all donated blood is run through tests to insure it is not infected with HIV. It is safe to give blood because all medical equipment used is sterilized and clean. Last, you cannot get AIDS from having every-day contact with a person suffering from AIDS. Shaking hands, giving a hug, or being in the same room with an AIDS patient will not cause you to be infected.

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)

AIDS Facts Patients using homeopathic medicine will normally develop a fever after taking the medication. Homeopaths agree the fever is a helpful part of the response to the medicine and should not be suppressed. Fever is a response to infection and using homeopathic treatment and medicines encourage this body response.

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.

Important Information in AIDS and HIV Issues

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