Update vaccine use in HIV and HIV vaccine

Update vaccine use in HIV and HIV vaccine

As of December 17, 2025, there is still no universally approved HIV vaccine, but significant progress has been made in research and development. Here are the latest updates:

Current Status of HIV Vaccine Development

1. Experimental Vaccines in Clinical Trials
2. Several candidate vaccines are in different phases of clinical trials, including:
   • RNA, DNA, vector, and peptide vaccines (molecular approaches) (RAG Source 1)
   • Transdermal and needle-free delivery methods (RAG Source 1)
3. Some trials are exploring the use of mRNA technology (similar to COVID-19 vaccines) for HIV.

1. Emerging Breakthroughs (2025 Updates)
2. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have been working on HIV vaccine candidates, though none are yet approved (Web Source 1).
3. Novel approaches like broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are being tested to prevent or control HIV infection (Web Source 2).

1. Vaccine Efficacy for HIV-Positive Individuals
2. People with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and have virologic suppression typically respond well to licensed non-HIV vaccines (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal, COVID-19) (RAG Source 2).
3. HIV-infected individuals may need additional doses of vaccines due to impaired immune responses (RAG Source 1).

Recommended Vaccinations for People with HIV

1. Influenza (Inactivated) Vaccine
2. Recommended annually for all HIV patients (RAG Source 1).
3. Live attenuated (intranasal) flu vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy or for immunocompromised individuals (RAG Source 1).

1. Pneumococcal Vaccine
2. **PCV20 alone, OR PCV15 → PPSV23 (≥8 weeks later) CD4 threshold is NOT required for giving conjugate vaccines

1. COVID-19 Vaccines
2. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines are safe and effective for people with HIV on ART (RAG Source 2).

1. Other Critical Vaccines
2. Hepatitis B vaccine (prevents liver disease and cancer) (Web Source 1).
3. HPV vaccine (prevents cervical, genital, and oropharyngeal cancers) (Web Source 1).
4. Herpes zoster subunit vaccine (prevents shingles and postherpetic neuralgia) (Web Source 1).
5. **Live vaccines (MMR, varicella):

✔ Allowed if CD4 ≥200 cells/mm³ ❌ Contraindicated if CD4 <200

Future Outlook (2025 and Beyond)

• HIV cure research is advancing, with potential gene-editing therapies and immunotherapy under investigation (Web Source 2).

• Next-generation vaccines may use mRNA or viral vector platforms (similar to COVID-19 vaccines) (Web Source 2).

Conclusion

While a preventive HIV vaccine is not yet available, ongoing research is promising. HIV-positive individuals should follow recommended vaccination schedules to prevent secondary infections.

For personalized advice, consult an infectious disease specialist or HIV care provider.

Sources:

1. Update on Vaccination Recommendations for Adults with HIV - PMC

1. HIV Cure 2025: Latest Breakthroughs, Vaccine Progress