Summary

Vaccinations are one of the most effective methods of disease prevention, drastically reducing illness, hospitalizations, and deaths from infectious diseases. In order to prevent a resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) publish yearly immunization schedule recommendations. These schedules are formulated based on extensive research and aim to protect individuals at the age at which they have the highest risk for infection. Specific recommendations are available for the general population (children and adults), individuals with certain health conditions, and those traveling to areas with high rates of infection. Education on the importance of vaccination and the implementation of catch-up schedules for underimmunized individuals are vital to ensuring herd immunity and preventing infectious diseases.

General principles

Routine immunization [1][2][3]

  • Immunizations are a vital component of primary prevention; see “Pathogens affecting unvaccinated individuals.”
  • Follow the recommended ACIP immunization schedules.
  • Age-appropriate vaccines should be administered at the same visit when feasible; see simultaneous vaccination and combination vaccines.
  • Be aware of contraindications for each vaccine. [4]
  • Identify individuals with risk factors and/or medical indications that necessitate altered immunization schedules.
    • See “Immunization schedule by medical indication.”
    • See the “Special patient groups” section
  • Educate individuals on the disease that each vaccine aims to prevent and the possible adverse effects; provide Vaccine Information Statements.
  • Report any vaccine-related adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (see “Tips and links”).

Vaccine dose is not adjusted for weight but may vary based on age.

It is US federal law to provide a Vaccine Information Statement before the administration of every vaccine. [5]

Vaccinations against multiple diseases at the same visit [1]

Simultaneous vaccination

Administration of > 1 vaccine on the same day, but in different syringes and at different anatomical locations

  • May include a combination of inactivated vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, or immunoglobulins
  • Most vaccines can be administered simultaneously; exceptions include:
    • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20 or PCV21) and PPSV23: Do not administer simultaneously. [6]
    • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20 or PCV21) and MenACWY-D: Do not administer simultaneously. [6]

If injectable or nasally administered live vaccines are not administered on the same day, they must be administered ≥ 4 weeks apart. [1]

Live oral vaccines (e.g., rotavirus vaccine) may be administered on the same day or at any interval before or after other live vaccines. [1]

Combination vaccines [1]

Combination of different vaccine components in a single product

  • Preferred over simultaneous single-component vaccines, when feasible
  • Examples of commonly used combination vaccines:
    • DTaP-IPV-Hib
    • DTaP-HepB-IPV
    • DTaP-IPV-HepB-Hib
    • DTaP-IPV
    • MMRV [2][7]
    • HepA-HepB

Timing and spacing of vaccines [1]

  • Follow the ACIP recommendations for the minimum age for the first dose and minimum intervals between doses to ensure optimal protection.
  • Unapproved delayed or alternate immunization schedules put individuals at risk.

Delayed or missed vaccines (undervaccination) [2][3]

  • Follow recommended catch-up immunization schedules for undervaccinated individuals.
  • Do not restart the immunization series from the beginning.
  • Continue with the next dose in the immunization series.

Vaccines administered before the recommended minimum age or interval [1]

In general, any vaccine administered ≥ 5 days earlier than the minimum age or interval is considered invalid and needs to be repeated.

  • First dose administered ≥ 5 days earlier than the recommended minimum age
    • Repeat the dose when or after the individual attains the minimum recommended age.
    • For live vaccines, repeat the first dose ≥ 28 days after the invalid first dose.
  • Additional doses administered ≥ 5 days earlier than the recommended minimum interval
    • Repeat the dose; the minimum interval restarts from when the invalid dose was administered.

Doses administered ≤ 4 days before the minimum age or interval (grace period) are considered valid. [1]

ACIP immunization schedule

This table provides an overview of the ACIP immunization schedule. See the latest CDC recommendations for detailed guidance. [8][9][10]

  • See also:
    • Immunizations in pregnancy
    • Immunizations in preterm infants
    • Immunizations in men who have sex with men
    • Immunizations in individuals with HIV
    • Immunizations for health care personnel
    • Immunizations before travel
    • Contraindications for vaccination

Any mention of vaccine trade names is only for the purposes of identification and should not be considered an endorsement.

For catch-up vaccines, continue with the next dose in the immunization series. Do not restart the immunization series from the beginning. [11]

Overview of ACIP immunization schedule [2][3]
Routine immunization schedule Catch-up immunization schedule and immunization schedule by medical indication Special considerations
Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis and vaccination RSV prophylaxis (children) [12]
  • Infants < 8 months: 1 dose of nirsevimab if a maternal RSV vaccine was: [13]
    • Not given during the pregnancy or cannot be verified
    • Administered ≤ 14 days before birth [14]
  • See “Routine RSV prophylaxis” for timing and dosage.
  • Some infants < 24 months require prophylaxis in the 2ndRSV season: See “Indications for additional RSV prophylaxis.”
  • Rarely, nirsevimab may be considered for infants of vaccinated mothers based on clinical judgment.
  • See CDC recommendations.
RSV vaccine (adults) [15]
  • Unvaccinated adults aged ≥ 75 years: 1 dose
  • Pregnant individuals: See “Immunizations in pregnancy.”
  • Individuals aged 60–74 years with adult risk factors for severe RSV infection : 1 dose
  • Young children, pregnant individuals, and older adults are at increased risk of severe RSV infection.
  • Immunization can occur at any time; late summer or early fall is ideal.
Hepatitis B vaccine
(HepB)
  • HepB primary series: 3 doses
    • Dose 1 (monovalent HepB)
      • Birth weight ≥ 2,000 g (≥ 4 lb 5 oz): within 24 hours after birth
      • Birth weight < 2,000 g (< 4 lb 5 oz): at 1 month of age or at hospital discharge, whichever occurs first
    • Dose 2: 1–2 months of age
    • Dose 3: 6–18 months of age
  • Pregnant individuals: See “Immunizations in pregnancy.”
  • Children ≤ 18 years of age: 3 doses total
  • Adults 19–60 years of age: Complete HepB series. (2, 3, or 4 doses; varies by vaccine).
  • Adults ≥ 60 years of age with risk factors for HBV infection or request for immunization: Complete HepB series (2–4 doses; varies by vaccine).
  • Adults on dialysis or immunocompromised individuals ≥ 20 years of age
    • Additional doses may be needed.
    • See CDC recommendations.
  • Infants born to individuals with HBsAg positive or unknown status require additional management.
  • Individuals with indications for HBV postvaccination serology require additional dose(s) if anti-HBs < 10 mIU/mL.
  • See also “Prevention of hepatitis B.”
Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccines Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis vaccine
(DTaP)
  • DTaP primary series: 3 doses
    • Dose 1: 2 months of age
    • Dose 2: 4 months of age
    • Dose 3: 6 months of age
  • Boosters
    • Dose 4: 15–18 months of age
    • Dose 5: 4–6 years of age
    • Proceed to Tdap boosters after 11–12 years of age.
  • If < 7 years of age: 4–5 doses total of DTaP [11]
  • If ≥ 7 years of age: See catch-up schedule for Tdap. [11]
  • Minimum age for the first dose
    • DTaP: 6 weeks
    • DTaP-IPV : 4 years
    • Tdap: 7 years
    • Td: 7 years
  • Ensure close contacts of newborns have received all recommended age-appropriate pertussis vaccines (DTaP, Tdap).
  • Children < 7 years of age with encephalopathy due to the pertussis component of DTaP : Td (off-label) may be used for remaining DTaP doses. [16]
  • See also
    • Prevention of tetanus”
    • Prevention of pertussis”
    • Prevention of diphtheria”
Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) and tetanus, diphtheria vaccine (Td)
  • Adolescent booster: 1 dose Tdap at 11–12 years of age
  • Adult boosters: Tdap OR Td every 10 years
  • Pregnant individuals: See “Immunizations in pregnancy.”
  • Individuals ≥ 7 years of age with:
    • Incomplete DTaP series: 1 dose of Tdap; followed by either Tdap OR Td for subsequent doses as needed. [17]
    • Completed DTaP series (with incomplete Tdap): 1 dose of Tdap; then Tdap OR Td boosters every 10 years [17]
Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
  • IPV primary series: 3 doses
    • Dose 1: 2 months of age
    • Dose 2: 4 months of age
    • Dose 3: 6–18 months of age
  • Booster: Dose 4 at 4–6 years of age
  • Children < 18 years of age: 3 or 4 doses total
  • Adults
    • Incomplete IPV primary series: Complete the 3-dose primary IPV series.
    • Adults at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus with completed primary IPV series: one lifetime booster of IPV
  • Minimum age for the first dose
    • IPV: 6 weeks
    • DTaP-IPV : 4 years
  • Oral polio vaccines are not used in the US. [11]
Rotavirus vaccine (RV)
  • RV primary series: 2 or 3 doses (varies by vaccine)
    • Dose 1: 2 months of age
    • Dose 2: 4 months of age
    • Dose 3 (for the 3-dose vaccine only): 6 months of age
  • Age < 8 months: 1–3 doses total (depending on age and vaccine)
  • Minimum age for the first dose: 6 weeks
  • Maximum age for the first dose: 14 weeks 6 days
  • Maximum age for final dose: 8 months
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib vaccine)
  • Hib primary series: 2 or 3 doses (varies by vaccine)
    • Dose 1: 2 months of age
    • Dose 2: 4 months of age
    • Dose 3: 6 months of age (for all series except PedvaxHIB)
  • Booster: Dose 4 at 12–15 months of age (do not use Vaxelis for the booster dose)
  • Children < 5 years: Dosing differs; refer to CDC guidelines. [11]
  • Individuals with risk factors for severe Haemophilus influenzae type b disease may need 1 or 3 additional booster doses, depending on the risk factor.
  • Minimum age for the first dose: 6 weeks
  • American Indian and Alaska Native infants: Vaxelis or PedvaxHIB are preferred for the primary series.
Pneumococcal vaccines
See “Tips and Links” for CDC's mobile app for pneumococcal vaccines.
Children (PCV15, PCV20) [18][19]
  • PCV primary series: 3 doses (PCV15 or PCV20)
    • Dose 1: 2 months of age
    • Dose 2: 4 months of age
    • Dose 3: 6 months of age
  • Booster (PCV15 or PCV20): Dose 4 at 12–15 months of age
  • Children ≤ 5 years of age
    • Dose received at ≥ 2 years of age: No further doses needed.
    • All others: Dosing differs; see CDC recommendations. [11]
  • Children with risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease may require additional doses, including a dose of PPSV23.
  • Minimum age for the first dose:
    • PCV15 and PCV20: 6 weeks
    • PPSV23: 2 years
    • PCV21: 18 years
  • If both a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and a polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are indicated, they cannot be given at the same visit.
    • Healthy individuals: Administer PCV; then, ≥ 1 year later, PPSV23.
    • Individuals with risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease: Administer PCV; then, ≥ 8 weeks later, PPSV23.
  • See the latest CDC guidelines for details.
Adults (PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, PPSV23) [20][21]
  • Age ≥ 50 years
    • No prior dose of PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21; or unknown vaccine status
      • 1 dose PCV20 OR PCV21
      • OR 1 dose of PCV15, and, ≥ 1 year later, 1 dose of PPSV23
    • Prior PCV13 only: 1 dose of PCV20 OR PCV21
    • Prior PPSV23 only: 1 dose of PCV15 OR PCV20 OR PCV21 ≥ 1 year after last dose
    • Prior PPSV23 at < 65 years of age PLUS PCV13 at any age: 1 dose of PCV20 OR PCV21 ≥ 5 years after last pneumococcal vaccine
    • Prior PPSV23 at ≥ 65 years of age, PLUS PCV13 at any age: Consider 1 dose of PCV20 or PCV21 ≥ 5 years after last pneumococcal vaccine, based on shared decision-making.
  • Individuals 19–49 years of age with risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease:
    • Dosing differs by indication and vaccine.
    • See CDC recommendations.
Hepatitis A vaccine (HepA)
  • All children: 2 doses, given:
    • Between 12 and 23 months of age
    • AND ≥ 6 months apart
  • Children < 18 years of age: 2 doses total, ≥ 6 months apart
  • Adults with risk factors for HAV infection or who request vaccination: 2 or 3 doses (varies by vaccine)
  • Minimum age for single-antigen HepA: 12 months
  • Minimum age for combined HepA-HepB vaccine: ≥ 18 years
Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR)
or
Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella vaccine (MMRV)
  • All children: 2 doses
    • Dose 1: 12–15 months of age (MMR preferred over MMRV) [7]
    • Dose 2: 4–6 years of age
  • Children and adolescents: 2 doses total [22]
  • Individuals with no evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella [23][24]
    • Adults with no risk factors for measles, mumps, or rubella: 1 dose
    • Adults and children ≥ 12 months of age with risk factors for measles, mumps, or rubella: 2 doses total, ≥ 28 days apart
    • Infants 6–11 months of age prior to international travel: 1 dose
  • Community outbreaks: Consult the health department. [23][25]
  • Minimum age for the first routine dose: 12 months
  • Maximum age for MMRV: 12 years
  • Consider contraindications for live vaccines.
Varicella vaccine (VAR)
  • All children: 2 doses
    • Dose 1: 12–15 months of age (VAR preferred over MMRV)
    • Dose 2: 4–6 years of age
  • Children and adults with no evidence of immunity to varicella: 2 doses total
  • Minimum age for the first dose: 12 months
  • Maximum age MMRV: 12 years
  • Consider contraindications for live vaccines.
Human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine (HPV vaccine)
  • All children (male and female): 2 doses
    • Dose 1: between 11 and 12 years of age
    • Dose 2: 6–12 months after dose 1
  • Individuals ≤ 26 years of age: Catch-up is recommended; dosage depends on age at initial vaccination.
    • 9–14 years of age at initial dose: 2-dose series
    • ≥ 15 years of age at initial dose: 3-dose series at 0, 1–2 months, and 6 months
  • Adults 27–45 years of age: Use shared decision-making.
  • Immunocompromised individuals: Use a 3-dose series regardless of age at first dose.
  • Minimum age for the first dose: 9 years
  • Individuals with a complete HPV vaccine series of any valency do not need additional doses.
  • History of sexual abuse: Start 2-dose series at 9 years of age.
Meningococcal vaccines [26] Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY vaccines)
  • All children: 2 doses
    • Dose 1: 11–12 years of age
    • Dose 2: 16 years of age
  • 13–15 years of age: 2 doses total
    • Dose 1: as soon as possible
    • Dose 2: at 16–18 years of age; ≥ 8 weeks after dose 1
  • 16–18 years of age : 1 dose total
  • Individuals ≥ 2 months with risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease [24][26]
    • Primary series: 2–4 doses (differs by age and vaccine)
    • Ongoing risk: booster doses [26]
      • Age < 7 years: booster dose 3 years after primary series; then every 5 years
      • Age ≥ 7 years: booster dose every 5 years
  • Minimum age for first dose: differs by vaccine and formulation
  • MenACWY vaccines are interchangeable. [26]
  • MenB vaccines are not interchangeable.
  • If both MenACWY and MenB are indicated, they may be coadministered with either
    • Simultaneous MenACWY and MenB at different anatomical sites
    • Pentavalent meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY-TT/MenB-FHbP) in individuals 10–25 years of age [27]
Meningococcal B vaccine (MenB vaccine) [28]
  • Individuals aged 16–23 years without risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease
    • Use shared decision-making.
    • 2 doses, 6 months apart
  • Individuals aged 10–25 years with risk factors for invasive meningococcal disease [24]
    • Primary series: 3 doses at 0, 1–2 months, and 6 months
    • Ongoing risk: booster doses [2][26]
Zoster recombinant vaccine (RZV)
  • Adults > 50 years of age: 2 doses, 2–6 months apart
  • Individuals ≥ 19 years of age with current or anticipated immunocompromise : 2 doses, 2–6 months apart [29]
  • Minimum age for the first dose: 19 years
  • Delay vaccination in individuals with active VZV infection (shingles).
Annual influenza vaccine [30][31]
  • Children 6 months–8 years of age with < 2 influenza vaccine doses before July 1 of the current year: 2 doses, ≥ 4 weeks apart [30][31]
  • Children 6 months–8 years of age with ≥ 2 influenza vaccine doses before July 1 of the current year: 1 dose annually of any age-approved influenza vaccine. [30][31]
  • Individuals 9–64 years: 1 dose annually of any age-appropriate influenza vaccine.
  • Adults ≥ 65 years of age: 1 dose annually, preferably with a high-dose influenza vaccine, recombinant influenza vaccine, or adjuvanted influenza vaccine [30][32]
  • Individuals with immunosuppression [2][31]
    • Any age-appropriate inactivated or recombinant influenza vaccine may be used; see “Types of influenza vaccines.”
    • The live attenuated influenza vaccine is contraindicated.
  • Minimum age for the first dose [31]
    • Inactivated vaccine: 6 months
    • Live attenuated vaccine: 2 years
    • Recombinant influenza vaccine: 9 years
  • Influenza vaccines should be given annually just before or during flu season.
  • Live influenza vaccine: Revaccination may be necessary if antiviral treatment for influenza was administered within ∼2 weeks of vaccination. [30]
  • Egg allergy is not a contraindication to any influenza vaccine. [30]
  • Consider contraindications for live vaccines.
  • See also “Prevention of influenza.”
COVID-19 vaccines [33] Children 6 months to < 5 years of age
  • Previously unvaccinated: primary series
    • Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: 2 doses, 4–8 weeks apart
    • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: 3 doses (dose 2 given 3–8 weeks after dose 1; dose 3 given ≥ 8 weeks after dose 2)
  • Prior outdated COVID-19 vaccine
    • Incomplete primary series: Complete the primary series with current vaccines.
    • Completed primary series: 1 dose booster of current vaccine, ≥ 8 weeks after previous dose
  • Recommendations differ for immunocompromised individuals: Refer to the latest CDC recommendations. [2][34]
  • Minimum age for the first dose
    • Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: 6 months (or 12 years for adult vaccine)
    • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: 6 months (or 12 years for adult vaccine)
    • Novavax COVID-19 vaccine: 12 years
  • In children < 5 years old, vaccines are not interchangeable; use vaccines from the same manufacturer.
  • Vaccination may be delayed for 3 months following COVID-19 infection.
  • Full immunization: all recommended doses for age and at least 1 current vaccine
Children ≥ 5 years of age and adults
  • Previously unvaccinated
    • Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: 1 dose
    • Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (only for ≥ 12 years of age): 2 doses, 3–8 weeks apart
  • Prior outdated COVID-19 vaccine
    • 1 dose booster of current vaccine, ≥ 8 weeks after preceding dose
    • Age ≥ 65 years: second booster dose of current vaccine, ≥ 6 months after preceding dose
Mpox vaccine [35]
  • N/a
  • Individuals ≥ 18 years of age with sexual risk factors for mpox or occupational exposure to mpox : 2-dose series, 28 days apart
  • See also “Prevention of mpox.”
Dengue vaccine [36]
  • N/a
  • Children 9–16 years of age who reside in a dengue-endemic region AND have laboratory evidence of previous dengue infection : 3-dose series: 0, 6, and 12 months [37]
  • Minimum age for the first dose: 9 years
  • The dengue vaccine is not indicated for children visiting dengue-endemic regions.

Unapproved, delayed, or alternate immunization schedules put individuals at risk for vaccine-preventable conditions and complications. [1]

Egg allergy is not a contraindication for any influenza vaccination. [30][38]

Immunizations at each health maintenance or well-visit encounter

The youngest recommended age for routine immunization is shown in this table. Refer to the ACIP immunization schedule for details on age ranges, catch-up immunizations, and special considerations.

For individuals ≥ 6 months of age, recommend age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccination and yearly influenza vaccination during influenza season.

The use of combination vaccines can decrease the number of injections needed at each encounter. Combination vaccines are frequently used for the 2-month, 4-month, 6-month, and 4–6-year immunizations. They may also be used for catch-up immunizations.

Immunizations at each health maintenance or well-visit encounter [2][3]
Newborn follow-up at 2 weeks
  • Review the mother's HBsAg status.
  • Give the newborn HepB if not given at birth.
  • Routine RSV prophylaxis, if indicated
2 months
  • HepB
  • 1st dose of:
    • DTaP
    • Hib vaccine
    • IPV
    • PCV15 or PCV20
    • RV
  • Routine RSV prophylaxis, if indicated
4 months
  • 2nd dose of:
    • DTaP
    • Hib vaccine
    • IPV
    • PCV15 or PCV20
    • RV
  • Routine RSV prophylaxis, if indicated
6 months
  • 3rd dose of:
    • DTaP
    • PCV15 or PCV20
    • HepB
    • Hib vaccine, if a 3-dose primary series was used
    • IPV
    • RV (3-dose series only)
  • Routine RSV prophylaxis, if indicated
  • Eligibility for influenza vaccine during flu season begins (2nd dose 4 weeks after the 1st dose).
  • Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines begins.
9 months
  • Assess the need for catch-up vaccinations.
12 months
  • 4th dose of:
    • Hib vaccine
    • PCV15 or PCV20
  • 1st dose of:
    • MMR
    • Varicella vaccine
    • HepA
15 months
  • Booster dose of of DTaP (4th dose)
18 months
  • 2nd dose of HepA
24, 30, and 36 months
  • Assess the need for catch-up vaccinations.
4–6 years
  • Booster dose of:
    • DTaP (5th dose)
    • IPV (4th dose)
  • 2nd dose of:
    • MMR
    • Varicella vaccine
6–10 years
  • Assess the need for catch-up vaccinations.
11 years
  • HPV vaccine
  • MenACWY vaccine
  • Tdap booster
12–15 years
  • Assess the need for catch-up vaccinations.
16 years
  • 2nd dose of MenACWY vaccine
  • Discuss MenB vaccination.
17 years
  • Assess the need for catch-up vaccinations.
  • Discuss MenB vaccine (if not completed previously).
Immunizations in adults All adults
  • Tdap or Td vaccine booster every 10 years
  • Current COVID-19 vaccine
  • Annual influenza vaccine during flu season
  • Assess the need for catch-up vaccinations.
Additional immunizations in adults ≥ 50 years of age
  • ≥ 50 years of age
    • RZV vaccine
    • Pneumococcal vaccine
  • ≥ 60 years of age with adult risk factors for severe RSV infection: RSV vaccine
  • ≥ 75 years of age: RSV vaccine

Special patient groups

  • Adjustments to the routine immunization schedule are needed for certain indications.
  • An overview of recommendations for vaccinating preterm infants, pregnant individuals, and those with HIV infection is detailed in this section.
  • See also “Immunizations before travel.”
  • See “Immunization schedule by medical indication” and the latest CDC recommendations for adjustments in:
    • Patients with any of the following:
      • Altered immunocompetence (e.g., those with HIV, AIDS, asplenia, or complement deficiencies; those taking immunosuppressants) [39]
      • End-stage renal disease and those receiving hemodialysis
      • Heart disease
      • Lung disease
      • Chronic liver disease, alcohol use disorder
      • Diabetes
    • Health care personnel
    • Men who have sex with men

Immunizations in individuals with HIV [2][3][40][41]

  • Inactivated vaccines are generally safe.
  • If feasible, vaccination of individuals with HIV should be done before they become immunosuppressed.
  • The immune response may be diminished if a vaccine is administered during a period of intense immunosuppression.
  • See the latest CDC recommendations for details.

Exceptions to the routine immunization schedule

The routine ACIP immunization schedule is applicable to individuals with HIV with the following exceptions:

  • Varicella vaccine, MMR vaccine, and dengue vaccines
    • Contraindicated in individuals with CD4 percentage < 15% or CD4 count < 200/mm3 or an AIDS-defining condition.
    • In individuals with CD4 percentage ≥ 15% and CD4 count ≥ 200/mm3 for ≥ 6 months:
      • A 2-dose series of MMR is recommended for individuals with no evidence of immunity to MMR.
      • Use shared-decision making to determine the need and schedule for the varicella vaccine (in adults) and dengue vaccine.
      • The combination MMRV vaccine is contraindicated in all individuals with HIV.
  • Influenza vaccine
    • Live attenuated influenza vaccine is contraindicated in all individuals with HIV.
    • Inactive influenza vaccine should be given instead.
  • RZV [42]
    • 2 doses, 2–6 months apart (regardless of previous history of shingles)
    • Minimum age for first dose: ≥ 19 years of age
  • HPV vaccine: Use a 3-dose series regardless of age at first immunization.
  • Rotavirus vaccine: Use with caution in infants.
  • Refer to the latest CDC recommendations for adjustments to the immunization schedule for: [40][43]
    • Pneumococcal vaccines
    • MenACWY vaccine [26]
    • Hib vaccine
    • COVID-19 vaccine
    • RSV vaccine
    • Mpox vaccine
    • HPV vaccine
    • HepA vaccine
    • HepB vaccine

Live vaccines are contraindicated in individuals with a CD4 count < 200/mm3 or CD4 percentage < 15%. Certain live vaccines (e.g., live attenuated influenza vaccine, MMRV) are contraindicated in all individuals with HIV, regardless of CD4 count and percentage. [2][3][43]

The efficacy of immunizations is reduced in individuals with HIV as a result of impaired immune function. [44]

Immunizations in preterm infants [45]

  • Premature infants weighing < 2,000 g (< 4 lb 5 oz) at birth should receive the first HepB dose at 1 month or at hospital discharge, whichever is first. [2]
  • Preterm infants should receive all other recommended vaccinations according to chronological age unless contraindicated.

Immunizations in pregnancy and lactation [2][46][47]

Prior to pregnancy [46][48]

  • Recommend all routine age-appropriate immunizations.
  • Annually assess immunization status for MMR, varicella, HepB, and Tdap ; [46][48][49]
    • Nonimmune women should receive appropriate vaccinations. [46]
    • If live vaccines are administered, advise individuals to avoid conceiving for 1–3 months. [46][50][51]
  • Recommend current COVID-19 vaccination. [46]
  • Recommend influenza vaccination (especially if pregnancy is expected during flu season). [46]
  • Smallpox vaccine is contraindicated in women who are trying to conceive. [46]

During pregnancy [2][46][47]

  • For all pregnant individuals, recommend:
    • Tdap vaccine once every pregnancy, preferably at 27–36 weeks' gestation [46][47]
    • A single dose of RSV vaccine (ABRYSVO) only if the following criteria are met: [2][52]
      • RSV vaccine not received during a prior pregnancy
      • Gestational age between 32 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks during RSV season
    • Inactivated influenza vaccine ; (IIV3 or RIV3) during flu season (safe in all trimesters) [46][53]
    • Current COVID-19 vaccination if not up to date
    • HepB vaccine if not previously vaccinated [2]
  • Consider additional immunizations based on risk factors, e.g.:
    • High-risk for HAV infection: HepA
    • High-risk for invasive meningococcal disease: meningococcal vaccines
    • Increased risk for exposure to poliovirus: IPV
    • Certain travel vaccines
  • Avoid contraindicated vaccines.
    • Live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated as they carry a theoretical risk of fetal infection (e.g., congenital rubella syndrome; , congenital varicella syndrome). [24][46][47][48]
    • Vaccines lacking safety data in pregnant individuals: HPV vaccine, RZV, PreHevbrio HepB vaccine [2][47]

MMR vaccine, varicella vaccine, HPV vaccine, and live attenuated influenza vaccine are not recommended during pregnancy. [46]

After pregnancy and/or during lactation [46]

Lactation is not a contraindication for most vaccines.

  • If live attenuated vaccines were deferred during pregnancy, administer them postpartum.
  • Contraindicated: smallpox vaccine
  • Avoid the yellow fever vaccine unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Women who lack immunity to rubella and/or varicella on prenatal screening (see “Prenatal care”) should be vaccinated postpartum.

Always consider if the benefits of immunization outweigh the risks during pregnancy and lactation; check contraindications. [48]

Immunizations for health care personnel (HCP) [54][55]

The following immunizations are an essential part of minimizing the risk of occupational exposure to and transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases in HCP.

Vaccine recommendations for all HCP [2][55]

  • All HCP should receive routine and catch-up vaccinations according to the ACIP immunization schedule.
  • In HCP who do not have evidence of pathogen-specific immunity , the following vaccines are recommended:
    • HepB vaccine; followed by post-vaccination serology 1–2 months after the last dose
    • Annual influenza vaccine [31]
    • MMR vaccine
    • Varicella vaccine
    • One-time Tdap (if not previously administered); followed by Tdap or Td boosters every 10 years
    • COVID-19 vaccines

Additional vaccines in high-risk groups [2][54]

  • Individuals with altered immunocompetence [2][54]
    • Additional vaccinations and/or boosters may be required, including:
      • Pneumococcal vaccine
      • Meningococcal vaccines
      • Hib vaccine
    • See “Immunization schedule by medical indication” for details.
  • HCP who work with individuals at risk for HAV infection : HepA vaccine is recommended.
  • Laboratory workers who handle highly infectious pathogens: Additional vaccinations and/or boosters against specific pathogens are recommended.
  • HCP planning travel abroad: Relevant travel vaccinations should be completed prior to travel.

Verify immunization requirements with the local occupational health department.

Immunizations in men who have sex with men [2][56]

  • Compared to other forms of unprotected sex, unprotected anal sex has the highest risk of HIV transmission. [56][57]
  • Routine and catch-up vaccinations should be given according to the ACIP immunization schedule, especially:
    • HepA vaccine and HepB vaccine
    • HPV vaccine
  • Individuals with additional risk factors, e.g., immunosuppression due to HIV
    • Adjustments to the immunization schedule may be required.
    • See “Immunization schedule by medical indication” for details.

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External Resources

References

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