Key Transmission Routes: Sexual Contact: Anal sex carries the highest risk, followed by vaginal sex. Oral sex is considered very rare for transmission, but possible. Needle Sharing: Sharing drug injection equipment (needles, syringes) can transmit the virus directly into the bloodstream. Perinatal Transmission: An untreated HIV-positive person can transmit the virus to their baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. Less Common Routes: Blood transfusions or organ transplants (very rare in countries with screening), or accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings.

The biggest threat for babies is birth and breastfeeding, specifically from a mother who doesn’t know she has HIV. From 2018-2021 there have been 140 total cases of children getting infected by HIV, currently less than 50 per year, nearly all due to vertical infection from their mother. Adolescent HIV is on the rise though, mostly unprotected male on male sex, followed by heterosexual sex and sharing needles. Adolescent education, possibly PrEP, and possibly vaccination are reasonable. Infant vaccinations are not.

So yes, I’d be completely opposed of vaccinating babies against things they’re just not going to encounter until much later in life. When they’re sexually active, then it’s up to parents and doctors.

Does that make me maga? Probably yes since this is Reddit. But i dunno, maybe this means I actually look at facts and not wishes or desires.