Immunizations are a very important part of providing well care to children with chronic illness. Immunizations can protect children from dangerous diseases that have serious complications. Children with HIV should be seen by their primary care provider on a regular schedule in order to update their immunizations. Children with HIV can receive many of the same vaccines as those children who do not have HIV. You should be familiar with the immunization schedule in your state since each state has their own requirements.

Most children by age of two should have receive the following immunizations:

• 4 vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP).

• 3 vaccinations against polio. Inactivated polio (IPV) by injection not by mouth for children with HIV.

• 3 vaccinations against hepatitis B (Hep B).

• 4 vaccinations against spinal meningitis (HIB).

• 1 vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Additional immunizations that need to be given for children with HIV are:

• 1 vaccine against pnemococcal a bacteria that causes meningitis at 2 years of age.

• 1 yearly influenza vaccine (flu shot) after 6 months of age. The first time your child receives the flu shot he/she will get one dose followed by another dose in 4 weeks. After this, it's just one shot yearly.

As you can see, the schedule is not all that different from children without chronic illness, but the importance of preventing disease is the same.

Accessing immunizations may be tricky at times but free vaccines are available to needy children. For information in your state, contact the health department for assistance.