Question

The nurse is reviewing the immunization schedule for a child with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection with the mother. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the mother?

1. Immunizations will not be given to the child with HIV infection.
2. The immunization schedule is altered because of the HIV infection.
3. The child and the siblings will need to receive inactivated polio vaccine.
4. The child with HIV infection will start immunizations when 3 years old.

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the mother that the immunization schedule for a child with HIV can be altered and should still be followed with an emphasis on using inactivated vaccines, such as the inactivated polio vaccine, to ensure the child's safety and health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should inform the mother that the immunization schedule for a child with HIV infection may be altered to ensure it is safe and effective for their compromised immune system. Children with HIV can still receive many immunizations, but live vaccines are generally avoided. The aim is to prevent opportunistic infections that can significantly affect a child with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV. While the specific adjustments to the immunization schedule can vary, certain guidelines are generally followed. For instance, all children, not just those with HIV, should receive the inactivated polio vaccine (Salk vaccine) rather than the oral polio vaccine (Sabin vaccine), due to the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus.

HIV, which can be transmitted from mother to child, significantly impacts a child's immune system. Medications to slow the progression of the virus are critical, alongside an appropriate immunization schedule, to enhance health outcomes for the child.