Immunization for Children Living with HIV: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Immunosuppression secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in children living with HIV (CLHIV). Although vaccines are cost-effective interventions, their efficacy, immunogenicity, safety, and persistence of post-vaccination immunity in CLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is unclear. We aimed at identifying existing scientific evidence on immunization of CLHIV generated in the last 10 years to identify the need for a systematic review. Methods: Studies were identified using a broad search strategy applied in multiple databases. Included studies involved CLHIV aged 0-10 years and presented outcomes on safety, efficacy, effectiveness, immunogenicity, and use of booster vaccines. Results: Nineteen publications were identified. There was variable immunogenicity to and efficacy of vaccines by HIV and ART status. All vaccines were safe. Conclusion: The heterogeneity of available studies makes it complex to do a systematic review and meta-Analysis. A more uniform approach to sampling and follow-up in future studies would make comparison and interpretation of results more robust.