Immunization in transplantation: review of the recent literature

Immunosuppressive treatments increase the life-long risk of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients for severe infections, some of which are vaccine-preventable. In this review of the literature published during the last 15 months, we critically summarize vaccine-oriented articles in SOT candidates or recipients. Because of previously reported differences, vaccine-specific studies are needed for each type of SOT recipients.

Thanks to new data gathered during the H1N1/2009 influenza pandemic, recent research mainly focused on influenza vaccination, especially in kidney transplantation. Lung transplantation, mycophenolate treatment, increasing age and end-stage organ failure were frequently identified as risk factors for nonresponse to immunization in general. New evidence concerning the safety of immunizing SOT recipients with live-attenuated vaccines is obtained.

During this last year, more encouraging data have been published regarding safety and immunogenicity of vaccination in SOT recipients. New inventive strategies should be studied to overcome missed opportunities for vaccinating SOT candidates and recipients, and to promote the most effective vaccination schedule and follow-up.