Vaccinations & Check-ups for HIV
News Context
At a glance
- People living with HIV should receive vaccinations to protect against preventable diseases.While vaccinations are generally safe and recommended, individuals with substantially compromised immune systems should consult their doctor...
- Vaccination is generally advised for HIV-positive individuals.
- Live vaccines, which contain weakened versions of the disease, should be avoided by individuals with low helper T-cell counts.
HIV and Vaccinations: Staying Healthy
People living with HIV should receive vaccinations to protect against preventable diseases.While vaccinations are generally safe and recommended, individuals with substantially compromised immune systems should consult their doctor regarding specific types of vaccines.
Recommended Vaccinations for People with HIV
Vaccination is generally advised for HIV-positive individuals. The following vaccinations are commonly recommended:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) – Booster recommended every 10 years.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Pneumococcal vaccine – Revaccination advised every six years.
- Influenza (flu) – Annually
- hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal, shingles, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines may also be beneficial, depending on individual risk factors. Consult with a healthcare provider.
Essential Health monitoring for People with HIV
Individuals with HIV might potentially be at increased risk for certain conditions or experience more severe symptoms. Regular monitoring, along with viral load and T-cell counts, is crucial. The following examinations are typically recommended:
- Hepatitis: Annual hepatitis C testing,assessment of hepatitis A/B vaccination status,and consideration of hepatitis E testing.
- sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia at least annually.
- Cardiovascular Health: Annual assessment.
- Weight and Body composition: Annual monitoring.
- Metabolic Health: Monitoring of fat and sugar metabolism one to two times per year.
- Kidney Function: assessment two to four times per year.
- Bone Health: Evaluation every one to two years.
- Cancer Screening: Annual cervical and anal cancer screening.
- Dental Health: Annual check-up.
