HIV-AIDS and STDs

Unwanted effects of HIV Vaccines

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If you have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), you should take special precautions against other infections, such as the flu. That's because you have a disease that makes it difficult for your immune system to fight them. Vaccines (immunizations) can help your body defend itself against infections. However, if you have HIV/AIDS immunizations may effect you differently than people who don't have HIV/AIDS.

Not all vaccines are safe for people with HIV/AIDS. Vaccines made from live viruses should be avoided because they may cause a mild case of the disease. Live vaccines are a weaker form of the germ that causes a particular disease. People with HIV/AIDS should receive vaccines made from inactivated diseases. Inactivated vaccines don't contain a living germ.

Vaccine Side Effects and HIV/AIDS:

Anyone, regardless of their HIV status, is at risk of side effects associated with vaccines, including:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the place where you receive the shot
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea