Immunizations in the Child with Sickle Cell Disease

In order to provide optimal health maintenance, clinicians who care for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) including the most common form, sickle cell anemia (SCA, HbSS, and HbS/beta-thalassemia°) as well as HbSC and HbS/beta-thalassemia+, should be aware of the immune deficits that accompany the disorder which dictate a modified vaccination schedule for certain vaccines in this specialized population. The potential deficits of the immune system along with the recommended vaccination schedule for the child with SCD are described for the primary care clinician.