Living with HIV: the importance of vaccination

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect everyone's health - and for those living with HIV, it can make even more of a difference. Having up-to-date vaccinations helps prevent infections that can be more serious and reduces the risk of complications. In this article, we explain why vaccination is an essential ally for those living with HIV, which vaccines are recommended and how to access them.

Why should I get vaccinated if I'm living with HIV?

Living with HIV doesn't necessarily mean having a compromised immune system, as it depends on factors such as viral load and adherence to treatment. However, HIV infection can affect how the body reacts to other infections. That's why keeping up to date with vaccinations helps:

• Prevent serious infections such as flu, pneumonia or hepatitis;
• Reduce the burden on the immune system;
• Protect health over the long term;
• Contribute to public health by protecting the community.

What vaccines are recommended for people living with HIV?

Medical assessment is always necessary, especially when there is severe immunosuppression. Nevertheless, some vaccines are especially recommended for people living with HIV, according to what science, international guidelines and scientific societies tell us. How many vaccines can you get?

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

They prevent liver infections and their complications. The Hepatitis B vaccine is included in the National Vaccination Plan (PNV).

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Reduces the risk of developing cancers associated with HPV, such as anal or cervical cancer.

Mpox

Recommended for preventing infection and severe forms of the disease. It is included in the PNV.

Influenza

Administered annually, recommended to prevent serious complications. Included in the PNV.

COVID-19

Seasonal vaccination to prevent severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Included in the PNV.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Protects against respiratory infections such as pneumonia and meningitis.

Meningitis B and Meningitis ABCWY

Indicated in contexts of higher risk or outbreaks.

Herpes Zoster

Helps prevent serious illnesses such as shingles and its complications.

Are vaccines free?

Some are. In Portugal, the National Health Service (SNS) provides some of the vaccines recommended for people living with HIV free of charge:

• Flu vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Mpox vaccine

Other vaccines, although recommended, are not yet included in the National Vaccination Program (PNV). In these cases, they can be purchased from pharmacies and administered by health professionals. The PNV vaccines are available to everyone living in Portugal.

At GAT, we are continuing to work to ensure greater free vaccination coverage for all people living with HIV. This issue is under discussion with the Directorate-General for Health and the Ministry of Health, a process that began at the Symposium “Advancing immunization for people living with HIV” and which resulted in a call for swift decisions by the government to ensure equitable vaccination for people living with HIV. The inclusion of the Herpes Zoster Vaccine in the PNV is also one of the GAT's objectives in the area of immunization.

Where and how can I get vaccinated?

• At SNS health centers

• At GAT centers

Vaccines are always prescribed and administered by medical and nursing professionals. While vaccines included in the PNV can be made available at the centers, vaccines not included in the PNV must be purchased at a pharmacy and then administered by nursing professionals at an SNS health center or at the GAT Checkpoint LX or GAT Intendente centers.

It's important that vaccinations are part of routine appointments - it's the time to clear up any doubts and update the vaccination report. Keeping your vaccinations up to date is a simple gesture with a big impact on your health: better protection against infections and a better quality of life.

How can I get vaccinated at the GAT centers?

Make an appointment by calling GAT Checkpoint LX and GAT Intendente:

• GAT Checkpoint LX
  
  • Travessa do Monte do Carmo, 2, 1200-277, Lisbon
  • Working days from 12pm to 8pm
  • +351 910 693 158
  • checkpointlx@gatportugal.org
• GAT Intendente
  
  • Rua Antero de Quental, 8-A - 1150-043 Lisbon
  • Working days from 1pm to 8pm
  • +351 919 613 092 (incl. WhatsApp)
  • espaco.intendente@gatportugal.org