From what we have learned thus far, we are able to distinguish between the innate and adaptive responses. Generally, when a patient is vaccinated, the vaccine being administered requires both responses to be functioning relatively well in order to be effective. Unfortunately, in the case of immunocompromised patient, much has to be taken into account when considering vaccination.

Severe immunosuppression can be the result of many factors, such as HIV, chemotherapy, congenital immunodeficiency, etc. It is up to the physician to decide whether or not vaccination is indicated in a patient with a particular immunodeficiency. In less severe cases, killed or inactivated vaccines generally don't pose a huge risk to the patient and may be administered. Active vaccinations to the less immunocompromised may also be indicated; however, generally, frequent booster shots are necessary to achieve long-term immunization.

In the case of live, attenuated vaccines being administered to the severely immunocompromised, the risk of the body being unable to fight off an otherwise manageable dose of the virus is simply too great. If the patient is unable to produce functional B or T cells, then there is no sense in even attempting to garner an adaptive response. The virus may simply replicate and infect the individual.

For persons who are either permanently or indefinitely immunocompromised, passive vaccination via administration of immunoglobulins is indicated over active immunization. The downside is that passive immunity is temporary.

http://www.cdc.gov/Mmwr/Preview/Mmwrhtml/00023141.htm