Low prevalence of prior streptococcus pneumoniae vaccination among potential lung transplant candidates

Appropriate vaccination status in the pre-solid organ transplant period is critically important.

To determine if lung transplant candidates are adequately vaccinated for Streptococcus pneumoniae, a cross-sectional study was performed. Electronic records of patients referred to our institution for transplantation evaluation between July 2002 and January 2004 were reviewed.

Only 98 of 157 patients (62.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 54.8 to 70.1%) evaluated for lung transplantation reported prior receipt of S pneumoniae vaccine. COPD was the only factor significantly associated with vaccination. Patients with COPD were more likely to have received vaccination compared to patients with other diagnoses (odds ratio, 4.66; 95% CI, 2.26 to 9.60).

S pneumoniae vaccination rates among potential lung transplant candidates fall substantially short of current recommendations for universal immunization. Transplant programs should thoroughly review vaccination status and develop strategies to ensure that candidates receive all appropriate vaccines before transplantation.