A 9-month-old child received the first dose of MMR vaccine. His mother is HIV-positive, and the child's CD4 count is 500 cells/µL (CD4% 22%). Should the MMR vaccine be administered to this child according to current Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) guidelines?
- A No, MMR is absolutely contraindicated in HIV-positive children
- B Yes, MMR can be given to HIV-positive children who are not severely immunocompromised (CD4% ≥15%) ✓
- C Yes, but only if the child is on antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months
- D No, postpone until CD4 count exceeds 750 cells/µL
Correct answer: B. Yes, MMR can be given to HIV-positive children who are not severely immunocompromised (CD4% ≥15%)
Explanation
MMR is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated in severely immunocompromised HIV-positive individuals (CD4% <15% or CD4 <200/µL in children >5 years). However, for HIV-positive children who are NOT severely immunocompromised (CD4% ≥15%), MMR should be given because measles infection itself is far more dangerous and lethal in HIV-positive children than in immunocompetent children. This child has CD4% 22%, which is above the threshold, so MMR is recommended.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.