American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which vaccine should be administered routinely to HIV patients at least 2 months old?

1. Quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine

2. HPV vaccine

3. Pneumococcal vaccine

4. Influenza vaccine

The correct answer is: Quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine

HIV patients are recommended to receive vaccinations that help prevent infections that can be particularly severe or opportunistic in the context of their immunocompromised status. The quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is designed to protect against four strains of meningococcal disease, which can be especially dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically advises the routine administration of this vaccine to individuals who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, including those with certain medical conditions such as HIV. In particular, these patients should be immunized due to their heightened vulnerability to infections and complications that can arise from meningitis. While the HPV vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and influenza vaccine are also critical vaccinations for individuals with HIV, the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is explicitly indicated for routine administration at the specified age in this question. This ensures that the vaccinated individual has adequate protection against this severe infectious disease before they potentially encounter risk factors that could lead to exposure.