Vaccination for Immunocompromised

People with weakened immune systems have different vaccination needs. Some vaccines are especially important, while others may be contraindicated. Consultation with an immunologist is essential.

Safe and Recommended

• Inactivated vaccines: Generally safe and recommended
• Influenza: Annual recommendation (inactivated only)
• Pneumococcal: Recommended for many conditions
• COVID-19: Recommended (mRNA preferred)
• Tdap: Recommended

Generally Contraindicated

• Live attenuated vaccines: MMR, varicella, nasal flu (LAIV)
• Yellow fever: Often contraindicated

Special Considerations by Condition

• HIV: CD4 count determines timing of live vaccines
• Cancer: Timing depends on treatment cycle
• Transplant: Vaccination before transplant preferred

Sources & Citations

• CDC: Immunocompromised