Immunization of Children Infected with Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type III/Lymphadenopathy-Associated Virus

Abstract

This document is intended to summarize available information and to assist health-care providers in developing policies for the immunization of children infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV) [now known as the human immunodeficiency virus], the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These policies may vary depending upon the prevalence of HTLV-III/LAV infection and the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in the community, individual assessment of a child's health status, and the risks and benefits of immunization in a particular situation. This discussion considers the risks and benefits of immunization for children residing in the United States based on the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the prevalence of HTLV-III/LAV infection and is intended for use by health-care providers in the United States. The recommendations may not pertain to other countries with different risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and prevalence of HTLV-III/LAV infection among children. Since these recommendations are based upon information and knowledge available at this time, periodic reassessment and revision will be required as more data concerning risk and benefits associated with immunization of HTLV-III/LAV-infected children become known and as the prevalences of specific vaccine-preventable diseases and HTLV-III infection change.