Immunization status of children born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected mothers in two Texas cities.

BACKGROUND

Because HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children are at risk of acquiring infectious diseases, they should be immunized.

METHODS

We abstracted charts at pediatric HIV clinics in Dallas and San Antonio, matched the children to birth certificates and assessed up-to-date immunization status.

RESULTS

Of the 178 children, 108 (61%) were up to date for the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), polio, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) series. In multivariate analysis, predictors of delayed immunization included maternal high-risk sexual partners and infant antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

In this population of children born to HIV-infected mothers, immunizations were up to date in 61%, a figure that exceeds or equals immunization levels for other Texas children. Texas falls short of the recommended goal of 90% immunization for children of HIV-infected mothers and healthy children.